Mary Lupien Statement on the Need for Equitable Snow Removal

Snow-covered sidewalks and unplowed bus stops are not just an inconvenience—they are a public safety hazard and an issue of justice. Too many in our community face the same challenges every winter: impassable sidewalks forcing people to walk in the street, risking injury or worse. People slipping, falling, and being pushed into unsafe conditions should not be the norm in our city.

We are a Vision Zero city. If we are serious about eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries, we must ensure that everyone—especially pedestrians, people with disabilities, children, and transit riders—can move safely in winter conditions. When sidewalks and bus stops remain buried in snow, we are telling those who rely on walking, biking, and public transit that their safety is not a priority. That is unacceptable.

Other cities and suburbs have figured this out. If they can ensure that sidewalks and transit access points are cleared promptly and effectively, then so can we. We need to adapt the policy on when and how the city intervenes to plow sidewalks and critical pedestrian infrastructure. The threshold for action must be based on safety, not convenience or outdated cost calculations that ignore the consequences for the most vulnerable.

Winter happens every year. Our response should reflect the needs of all residents, not just those who drive. We must invest in a city where everyone—regardless of age, ability, or income—can get where they need to go without fear of injury. A just and accessible city does not leave people stranded in the snow.