Snow-removal operation could last 10 more days, as city crews take mandatory breaks

It could take another 10 days for city crews to clear the snowbanks left over by last week's record-setting snowfalls. 

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante visited one of the city's 10 snow depots Friday and asked people to continue being patient as blue-collar workers and private contractors work to clear streets and sidewalks. 

"Why I'm here today is to tell everybody how much effort is being put into this," Plante said. She said workers "have been working without any stops since last Thursday." 

Garbage collection — which has so far been paused due to the huge snowbanks and for the snow-clearing operation to go smoothly — will resume Monday.

Nearly a week after two back-to-back storms buried the city in 74 centimetres of snow, about 32 per cent of Montreal's road network has been cleared so far. About 60 per cent of sidewalks are now cleared, according to Plante.

She added that in some areas, 90 per cent of roads have been cleared, while in others, that percentage is closer to 25. 

The majority of major roadways have been cleared, though, said city spokesperson Philippe Sabourin, who spoke to journalists alongside Plante, a 20-storey pile of snow in the background.

Sabourin said most snow-clearing crews would be taking a 24-hour break Friday and Saturday, which will slow progress somewhat. 

"They're reaching six days in a row. They need to rest to stay alert. They have to be vigilant when they're driving those big trucks," Sabourin said. 

He said the operation could take another 10 days to complete and asked people to help elderly people and people with limited mobility in their neighbourhoods. 

He also asked people to keep out of the way of snow-clearing trucks to give them space to work safely.

Montreal has 10 snow depots spread across the city. The one in the city's LaSalle borough, where Plante held the news conference Friday, can hold a volume equivalent to 800 Olympic swimming pools of snow and is currently half full. 

"We have six million cubic metres to collect. Usually, an average winter is 12 million. We have half a winter to collect as quickly as possible while guaranteeing everyone's safety," Sabourin said.

The city is also asking people to remove their cars in time for snow crews to pass. The fine for failing to do so is $194 and results in cars being towed onto other streets, and slows down clearing, Sabourin said.

The city has made thousands of parking spaces available, he said, which can be found on the city's website.