01-20-2018, 12:41 PM
Right here in Waterloo Region we have an example of municipal sidewalk plowing. And it appears to work satisfactorily.
Woolwich Township hires a private contractor on a multi year basis to clear the sidewalks in a few communities, including what I believe is the majority of Elmira. I'm not clear on the full extent of the contract, nor privy to the terms therein.
The Township then recovers the cost from the beneficiaries through a separate line item on the property taxes. I think there's some multi year averaging applied. For my home on a garden variety suburban lot I think it's like $60 per year.
The level of service is pretty good. The walks are kept clear enough that folks can walk their dogs, get the mail from the community box, kids can walk to school, and so on. The response during recent snow events has been good. I can hear the plows rattling around the neighborhood early in the morning.
Service complaints are directed to the Township. I've seen comments from Township representatives in the local paper indicating satisfaction with the current contractor, who is performing better than the previous contractor.
I'm happy with the arrangement, it costs me little, I don't have to clear the sidewalk before I go to work in the morning and the uniform decent condition around the neighborhood is a community good.
Woolwich Township hires a private contractor on a multi year basis to clear the sidewalks in a few communities, including what I believe is the majority of Elmira. I'm not clear on the full extent of the contract, nor privy to the terms therein.
The Township then recovers the cost from the beneficiaries through a separate line item on the property taxes. I think there's some multi year averaging applied. For my home on a garden variety suburban lot I think it's like $60 per year.
The level of service is pretty good. The walks are kept clear enough that folks can walk their dogs, get the mail from the community box, kids can walk to school, and so on. The response during recent snow events has been good. I can hear the plows rattling around the neighborhood early in the morning.
Service complaints are directed to the Township. I've seen comments from Township representatives in the local paper indicating satisfaction with the current contractor, who is performing better than the previous contractor.
I'm happy with the arrangement, it costs me little, I don't have to clear the sidewalk before I go to work in the morning and the uniform decent condition around the neighborhood is a community good.