The City’s annual Spring Clean-up Program is getting underway on the City’s roads, sidewalks and boulevards.
This year’s program includes the following activities:
- Snow plow sod damage inspection and repair
- Pothole repair
- Sidewalk repair
- Litter clean-up
- Catch basin debris clean-up
- Priority stormwater inlet and outlet inspection and clearing
- Illegal sign removal
- Street sweeping
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. Sod damage caused by contractors is repaired at no additional cost to the City.
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 determine 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 take advantage of milder weather to address pothole damage early in the season whenever possible.
Residents can 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 engineering students to inspect our sidewalk network. Starting in May, these staff will walk every city owned 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 scheduled based on priority, and less severe defects may take more than 24 months to be completed.
Litter Clean-up
Crews are responding to requests to clear 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 should call the Ministry of Transportation at 1-800-268-4686 to report litter on the QEW or 400 series highways and ramps.
Catch Basin Debris Clean-up
Crews have also begun to clear surface debris from catch basin grates to ensure stormwater can flow freely. Residents can report any build-up of debris, such as leaves, by calling 3-1-1.
Priority Stormwater Inlet and Outlet Inspection and Clearing
All priority stormwater inlets and outlets will be inspected and cleared to ensure our stormwater system is operating at full capacity. These inlets and outlets will be inspected on a monthly basis.
Illegal Sign Removal
Illegal signs are collected regularly as a part of routine work. Residents can also report illegal signs or stickers 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 permitting. We will share more details about this program as dates are confirmed.