City’s Transportation and Works Operations and Maintenance team is deploying its annual Spring Clean-up Program this week on the City’s roads, sidewalks and boulevards.
The Program includes the following activities:
- Snow Plow Sod Damage Inspection and Repair
- Pothole Repair
- Sidewalk Repair
- Litter Clean-up
- Stormwater Inlet and Outlet Clearing
- Illegal Signs
Snow Plow Sod Damage Inspection and Repair
Sod damage caused by trucks and sidewalk plows is commonly reported at this time of year. Sod can be damaged by equipment throughout the winter if the ground has not frozen or if grass has grown over the edges of the sidewalk.
Residents can report snow plow sod damage by calling 3-1-1 or submitting a service request online. The area will be noted and inspected to see if sod replacement or re-seeding is required. Repairs typically take place from May-June and September-October because of the cooler temperatures.
Pothole Repair
Potholes are identified proactively through regular patrolling of City roads. Staff have taken advantage of milder weather throughout the winter to address pothole damage whenever possible. This work will continue throughout the year.
Residents can also report potholes by calling 3-1-1 or submitting a request online. The area will be inspected within three business days and made safe. If additional repairs are required, they will be completed on a priority basis as a part of our regular maintenance schedule.
Sidewalk Inspection and Repair
Each year, we hire college and university students to inspect our sidewalk network. Starting in May, these staff will walk every sidewalk in the City and record deficiencies. Residents can also report sidewalk damage by calling 3-1-1 or submitting a request online. The area will be inspected within three business days and made safe. If additional repairs are required, they will be completed on a priority basis as a part of our regular maintenance schedule.
Litter Clean-up
Crews have begun cleaning up debris and litter on the road allowance. Residents can report litter or dumping on the road allowance by calling 3-1-1 or submitting a request online. Residents can call the Ministry of Transportation at 1-800-268-4686 to report litter on the QEW or 400 series highways and ramps.
Inlet and Outlet Cleaning
Crews have also begun to clear debris from inlets and outlets to ensure stormwater can flow freely. Residents can report any build-up of natural debris, such as leaves, large tree limbs or sediment, by calling 3-1-1. Children are reminded NOT to play in or near inlets, outlets and watercourses especially during rain events, as water levels can rise quickly.
Illegal Sign Blitzes
Illegal signs are collected regularly as a part of routine work. Residents can also report illegal signs at any time by calling 3-1-1 or submitting a request online. Our next city-wide illegal sign blitz is scheduled for May. Dedicated crews will focus on arterial and major collector roads first, and will move into collector roads if time permits.
Street Sweeping and Boulevard/Island Flushing
Our annual Spring Street Sweeping program is expected to begin in April, weather depending. We will share more details with you about this program as dates are confirmed.
As always, if damage or debris in the road allowance is causing a public safety risk, residents should call 3-1-1 directly for immediate assistance.