With the arrival of the Spring weather, the City’s annual Spring Clean-up Program is underway on the roads, sidewalks and boulevards. I’d like to share with you an overview of the program and how you can report any locations that might need some attention.
The Program includes the following activities:
- Snow Plow Sod Damage Inspection and Repair
- Pothole Repair
- Sidewalk Repair
- Litter Clean-up
- Inlet and Outlet Clearing
- Illegal Sign Blitz
- Street Sweeping and Boulevard/Island Flushing
Snow Plow Sod Damage Inspection and Repair
Snow plow sod damage 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, using the Pingstreet app or submitting a 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.
Pothole Repair
Staff has been busy over the last couple of weeks addressing pothole damage around the City. This work will continue throughout the spring and summer.
Potholes are identified proactively through regular patrolling of City roads. Residents can also report potholes by calling 3-1-1, using the Pingstreet app 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 the City’s regular maintenance schedule.
Sidewalk Inspection and Repair
Each year, the City hires students to inspect the 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, using the Pingstreet app 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 the 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, using the Pingstreet app or submitting a request online.
Residents should call the Ministry of Transportation at 1-800-268-4686 to report litter on the QEW or 400 series highway ramps.
Stormwater 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.
Illegal Sign Clean-up Blitzes
The next city-wide illegal sign blitz is scheduled for Monday, May 15th, weather permitting. A dedicated ten crews will focus on arterial and major collector roads first, and then will move into collector roads if time permits.
In the meantime, illegal signs will continue to be collected daily as a part of routine work. Residents can also report illegal signs at any time by calling 3-1-1, using the Pingstreet app or submitting a request online.
Street Sweeping and Boulevard/Island Flushing
The annual Spring Street Sweeping program began the last week of April. 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.