As the latest snowfall settles across Toronto, a fresh debate is emerging over how the city handles winter storms. Some residents are pointing to New York City, where officials have introduced a paid emergency shovelling program, and are asking whether Toronto should consider a similar approach.
In New York, temporary “Emergency Snow Shovellers” are recruited to clear bus stops, crosswalks and fire hydrants following major storms. Hourly pay begins at roughly US$19 and can rise to $30 during severe weather, with overtime pushing wages even higher. The program reportedly attracted more than 1,400 new sign ups in a single day, reflecting strong public interest during heavy snowfall events.
Meanwhile in Toronto, snow removal efforts have been under intense scrutiny. Last winter’s response was criticized as a systemic failure by Olivia Chow, who cited contractor performance issues and unreliable equipment. This season, city officials say improvements have been made, including expanded snow storage capacity, additional melters, surge staffing and the addition of a sixth snow storage site. More than 433,000 tonnes of snow have been removed so far this winter, significantly more than at the same time last year. The city also reports that 90 per cent of more than 43,000 service requests have been completed.
However, challenges remain. Toronto’s City Manager has acknowledged that only about two thirds to three quarters of sidewalk clearing machines are operational on any given day due to reliability issues. An independent review last fall suggested the city would need to invest up to $130 million more annually to significantly improve snow clearing operations, though officials have said there is currently no budget for that level of spending.
Matti Siemiatycki, director of the Infrastructure Institute at University of Toronto, says the idea of hiring residents has merit in principle. He describes it as innovative and community driven, but cautions that the discussion quickly turns to funding, logistics and efficiency. In his view, snow removal is not simply about having more people with shovels. Storage capacity, equipment reliability and overall investment levels are critical factors. He notes that Toronto spends less annually on snow clearing than some comparable cities, suggesting that service outcomes often reflect funding priorities.
While some councillors have expressed skepticism about replicating New York’s model, others acknowledge that public frustration is real. The mayor’s office has not confirmed whether a paid resident shovelling program is being considered, stating that winter operations are reviewed and adjusted each year. For now, although the snow has stopped falling, the broader conversation about accountability, funding and innovation in Toronto’s winter strategy is far from over.
