The City of Montreal launched its first full snow load operation of the winter on Saturday, as flakes have continued to accumulate on the ground since Friday morning.
Environment Canada predicts that up to 30 centimeters of snow could accumulate on the ground in Montreal and its suburbs. However, snowfall should decrease in intensity at the end of the day.
It is in this context that the 19 boroughs of the metropolis will gradually begin snow loading operations on their territory by Monday morning. “To facilitate the movement of the greatest number of people possible, major arteries, lanes reserved for public transit and bus routes will be given priority,” said the City of Montreal in a press release, while adding that a special attention will be paid to sidewalks to facilitate the movement of pedestrians. A street clearing and abrasive spreading operation is also underway.
In order to follow the progress of this snow loading operation and locate the thousands of spaces available to them in free incentive parking lots, Montrealers can consult an interactive map of the City.
A snow loading operation generally costs the City several million dollars, a bill that rises depending on the amount of snow accumulation on the ground. Nearly 3,000 people and 2,200 snow removal vehicles will be mobilized as part of this operation.
The City has earmarked 2.8% of planned spending in its 2023 budget for snow removal, which is about $189 million.
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