Given the fact we have had two big snowstorms in matter of days, there have been a lot of calls related to our snow removal policy.

We received this information  on February 18 from our Public Works Department.  

We are in full snow operations today. The plan today is to attempt to work until 7pm and at least blow the snow on one side per street. Delay will occur due to parked cars, over piling in the roads from contractors, etc. Please be reminded that the snow plowing operation initially involves moving the snow to the curb to allow traffic to flow safely. The snow plowing operation inevitably causes snow to accumulate in front of driveways. The city will follow up by removing these snowbanks during the subsequent snow-removal operation. However, the city is not responsible for keeping access to everyone’s driveway clear before the scheduled snow-removal operation happens. Residents who want access in the meantime are responsible for clearing the edge of their driveways. Major snow-removal operations normally take up to 5 days to complete, however this will take longer. While we understand your frustrations, we are asking our residents to be patient. Our workers and contractors are doing the best they can.

Public Works is inundated with calls regarding the snow. To help them out, please direct any complaints to:

[email protected] or 514 485 6936

Snow clearing and removal

The City of Côte Saint-Luc has rules to ensure that snow removal is done in a safe, timely and effective way. Residents are called upon to do their part to help make their roads safe in winter. To notify the City of Côte Saint-Luc about a snow-related problem, call 514-485-6800 or send an e-mail message to [email protected].

Timeframe

During and after every snowfall, the City of Côte Saint-Luc plows, salts, and clears 65 km of roads and 122 km of sidewalks. Snow removal operations by the City such as salting, plowing and removal are conducted around the clock. Major snow-removal operations normally take up to 5 days to complete and occur primarily between 6 am and 6 pm.

Snow banks and driveways

The snow plowing operation initially involves moving the snow to the curb in order to allow traffic to flow safely. The snow plowing operation inevitably causes snow to accumulate in front of driveways. The City will follow up by removing these snow banks during the subsequent snow-removal operation. However the city is not responsible for keeping access to everyone’s driveway clear before the scheduled snow-removal operation happens. Residents who want access in the meantime are responsible for clearing the edge of their driveways.

Sidewalk snow clearing

The city’s procedure is to clear at least one of the two sidewalks on each street soon after a snowfall. Sometimes private contractors push snow from driveways onto clean sidewalks making them impassable. Other times, continuing snowfall covers up the sidewalks the city cleaned earlier or blowing snow covers up part of the clean sidewalk. As a result, it may look like the city didn’t clear one of the sidewalks when, in fact, it already has.

Cooperation of residents and private snow removal contractors

We urge residents to speak to their contractors to remind them that pushing snow onto the sidewalk (or street) violates Côte Saint-Luc by-laws. We also ask that residents do their part by pushing snow onto their lawns and not onto sidewalks (and streets). The city will do its part by cleaning the sidewalks (and streets) in a timely manner.

Temporary no-parking signs

During and after snowstorms, residents are asked to respect all temporary no-parking signs placed by the Public Works Department for the purpose of snow removal. If you don’t, your vehicle may be towed to an adjacent street and you will be fined $153. If your vehicle is towed, you can call 514-485-6960 to find out where it was moved.

Avoid damage to your vehicle

Sidewalks must not be obstructed by vehicles parked too close, or by vehicles overhanging the edge of a driveway. Sidewalk snow plows need the entire width of the sidewalk in order to safely clean it. To avoid plows accidentally damaging your vehicle, park your car at least six inches or 15 cm (but not more than 12 inches) from the curb. This allows for safe passage of the sidewalk plows.

Blowing on lawns

When necessary, the city may blow snow on your lawn as part of normal snow removal operations. The city is not responsible for damage to plants, driveway curbs, fences or other items that are placed within the city’s setback.

Maximum capacity of the snow dump and snow blowing on private lawns

Having a snow dump in Côte Saint-Luc is a great benefit that permits us to speed up snow removal operations during winter. It also saves the cost of transporting and depositing snow to other dumps located outside the city. However, our snow dump has a limited capacity — even though it is quite large. With the accumulated snowfall we have received since the beginning of the winter season, we are reaching the maximum capacity of our snow dump.

As a result, the city is currently working to make more space available in the dump. During this time, the city is obliged to blow snow onto private lawns in the case of snowfall reaching the amount where snow removal operations must begin.

Private contractors

The city would like to remind all contractors, and the residents who hire them, of the following rules in force in Côte Saint-Luc. Snow from private driveways and walkways must not be placed on public sidewalks, lanes or streets. The snow should be spread out along the snowbanks, not piled up in one big heap. Under no circumstances may snow removed from one driveway be placed on the street in front of any neighbouring driveway or around fire hydrants. The blockage of any street, sidewalk or lane by snow removed from private land is not permitted. Please ensure that your contractor has a valid snow removal permit from the City. According to our bylaws, contractors and homeowners are responsible for any rule violations. To avoid possible fines, please make sure your contractor complies with the city’s regulations. Private snow removal contractors must display their city licence on the rear window of their snow removal vehicles.

Which streets are cleaned first?

For reasons for safety, the city prioritizes snow clearing and snow removal on primary streets and streets (or parts of streets) near public safety buildings (police, fire, hospitals, etc.), schools, and municipal buildings. Once the snow is cleared from these main areas, work begins on secondary streets and then on tertiary streets.

Primary streets are the main roads that have the most traffic, including Côte Saint-Luc Rd., Cavendish Blvd., Fleet Rd., Westminster Ave., Kildare Rd., Mackle Rd., and Guelph Rd.

Secondary streets are collector roads that have higher through traffic or high-density buildings, such as Merton Rd., Parkhaven Ave., and others.

Tertiary streets are typically smaller roads with limited and non-through traffic.

Keep sidewalks clear

Please move trash bins, blue bins, brown bins, basketball nets, and all other items to a safe distance away from the sidewalk and onto your driveway and please ensure your vehicles are parked only on your driveway and not on the sidewalk so that our crews can properly clear snow from the sidewalk and street in front of your home. The City of Côte Saint-Luc assumes no liability for any damage to your property that is in the way of our snow removal operations.

Damage to property

In the event that you feel the city has damaged your private property, please see Damage to private property.

Road salt and sand

Côte Saint-Luc applies road salt and abrasives to main roads and intersections to maintain traffic flow and keep our roads safe when snow or frozen snow begins falling. Once 2.5 cm of snow have fallen, snow-clearing operations begin.

Safety

During snow removal, there is always a spotter in front of the snow blower and any obstruction will lead to an immediate halt in operations as a safety precaution.

Increased traffic near the snow dump site

During snow-removal operations, there will be increased heavy truck traffic in the areas around the environmentally approved snow dump on Marc Chagall Ave. All Côte Saint-Luc trucks comply with all traffic regulations according to instructions given by the city.

Déneigement

La Ville de Côte Saint- Luc a des règles pour s’assurer que le déneigement est fait d’une manière sûre, rapide et efficace. Les résidants sont appelés à faire leur part pour aider à rendre les routes plus sûres en hiver. Pour informer la Ville de Côte Saint-Luc d’un problème concernant la neige, appelez au 514 485-6800 ou envoyez un courriel à [email protected].

Durée

Pendant et après chaque chute de neige, la Ville de Côte Saint- Luc déneige, répand du sel et déblaie 65 kilomètres de routes et 122 km de trottoirs. Les opérations de déneigement de la ville telles que l’épandage d’abrasifs, de dégagement des rues et des trottoirs peuvent prendre place 24 heures sur 24 dépendamment des conditions météorologiques. Les opérations de chargement de neige prennent normalement environ jusqu’à cinq jours après une grosse tempête et des accumulations dépassant 20 cm et s’effectuent généralement entre 6 h et 18 h.

Bancs de neige et entrées privées

L’opération de déneigement implique d’abord de déplacer la neige accumulée sur la rue afin de permettre aux véhicules de circuler en toute sécurité. Cette opération de dégagement des rues provoque inévitablement la formation de bancs de neige sur la longueur de la bordure de rue et donc s’accumule devant les entrées privées. La Ville suivra avec l’enlèvement de la neige, mais elle n’est pas responsable de dégager les entrées privées avant le chargement éventuel de la neige. Les résidants qui souhaitent avoir un accès, dans l’intervalle, sont responsables de dégager l’avant de leur entrée.

Nettoyage des trottoirs

La procédure établie par la Ville consiste à nettoyer au moins un des deux trottoirs après une chute de neige. Il arrive que les déneigeurs privés poussent la neige des entrées sur les trottoirs déblayés et les rendent impraticables. Parfois aussi, la neige recouvre continuellement les trottoirs déjà nettoyés par la ville ou encore c’est la poudrerie qui cause des accumulations par endroits. Par conséquent, il peut sembler que la Ville n’a pas nettoyé les trottoirs alors que le travail a bel et bien été fait.

Collaboration des résidants et des déneigeurs privés

Nous demandons aux résidants de rappeler à leur entrepreneur que le fait de pousser la neige sur le trottoir (ou dans la rue) contrevient aux règlements de Côte Saint-Luc. Nous demandons aussi aux résidants de collaborer et de pousser la neige sur leur terrain plutôt que sur le trottoir (ou dans la rue). La ville fera sa part en nettoyant les trottoirs (et les rues) le plus rapidement possible.

Panneaux temporaires d’interdiction de stationner

Pendant et après les tempêtes de neige, les résidents sont invités à respecter tous les panneaux d’interdiction de stationnement temporaires placés par le Service des travaux publics dans le but d’enlèvement de la neige. Dans le cas échéant votre véhicule pourrait être remorqué dans une rue avoisinante et vous recevrez une amende de 153 $. Si votre véhicule est remorqué, vous pouvez appeler le 514 485-6960, afin de connaître son emplacement.

Afin d’éviter d’endommager votre véhicule

Les trottoirs ne doivent pas être obstrués par des véhicules stationnés trop près, ou par les véhicules en surplomb d’une allée sur un trottoir. Les tracteurs de déneigement de trottoirs ont besoin de toute la largeur du trottoir afin de nettoyer et épandre de l’abrasif en toute sécurité. Lorsque la neige est prévue, veuillez garer votre voiture au moins de 6 pouces (15 cm) de la bordure du trottoir (mais pas plus que 12 pouces). Cela permettra le passage sécuritaire pour les équipements d’entretien de trottoirs.

Soufflement de la neige sur les propriétés privées

Dans le cadre des opérations de déneigement normales, la Ville peut souffler la neige sur votre propriété en cas de nécessité, par contre la Ville ne serait pas tenue responsable pour des dommages causés aux plantes, aux bordures d’allées, aux clôtures ou tout autre élément placé sur les marges de recul.

Capacité maximale du site de dépôt de neige et soufflement de la neige sur les propriétés privées

Avoir un site de dépôt de neige sur le territoire de la Ville de Cote Saint-Luc nous permet d’accélérer les opérations de chargement de neige lors des opérations de déneigement. Cela nous permet également d’économiser les coûts de transport et de livraison de neige vers d’autres sites de dépôt se trouvant à l’extérieur de la Ville. Par contre, le site de dépôt a une capacité limitée. Et, avec la quantité de neige tombée depuis le début de la saison hivernale 2017-2018, le dépôt atteint sa capacité maximale, c’est pourquoi nous tentons présentement d’y faire plus de place.

Dans ces circonstances, si une chute de neige devait déclencher des opérations déneigement, la Ville serait dans l’obligation de souffler la neige sur des propriétés privées.

Entrepreneurs de déneigement privés

La Ville aimerait rappeler à tous les entrepreneurs, et les résidents qui les embauchent, des règlements en vigueur à Côte Saint-Luc :

• La neige prévenant des entrées privées ne doit pas être placée sur les trottoirs publics, ruelles ou rues. La neige doit être étalée le long des bancs de neige, elle ne doit pas être empilée en un seul grand tas. Après le chargement de neige, il est strictement interdit de placer de la neige sur les rues et trottoirs.
• En aucun cas, la neige enlevée ne peut être placée sur devant les entrées de garage avoisinantes ou devant des bornes d’incendie.
• L’obstruction d’une rue, d’un trottoir ou d’une allée par de la neige provenant d’une propriété privée ne sera pas tolérée.

Assurez que votre entrepreneur possède un permis de déneigement valide émis par la Ville. Selon nos règlements municipaux, les entrepreneurs et les propriétaires sont responsables de toute infraction aux règlements. Pour éviter des amendes possibles, assurez-vous que votre entrepreneur soit conforme aux règlements de la ville. Les entrepreneurs de déneigement privés doivent afficher leur permis de la Ville sur la vitre arrière de leur véhicule de déneigement.

Quelles rues sont déneigées en premier?

Pour des raisons de sécurité, la Ville s’occupe en priorité de déblayer et d’enlever la neige sur les rues principales et les rues (ou tronçons de rues) près des édifices de sécurité publique (police, incendie, hôpitaux, etc.), des écoles et des édifices municipaux. Une fois que le déblaiement est fait dans les endroits prioritaires, le travail commence sur les rues secondaires et tertiaires.

Les rues principales sont les artères les plus achalandées, notamment chemin de la Côte Saint-Luc, boulevard Cavendish, chemin Fleet, avenue Westminster, chemin Kildare, chemin Mackle, et chemin Guelph.

Les rues secondaires sont des voies collectrices où la circulation de transit est intense ou sur lesquelles sont situées des édifices à haute densité de population, comme le chemin Merton, l’avenue Parkhaven et autres.

Les rues tertiaires sont généralement de plus petites rues où la circulation de transit est limitée ou inexistante.

Gardez les trottoirs libres

Veuillez déplacer poubelles, bacs bleus, bacs bruns, paniers de basketball et tout autre item en retrait du trottoir et davantage vers l’intérieur de votre entrée de garage, aussi assurez-vous de garer votre véhicule entièrement dans votre entrée de garage et non sur le trottoir afin que nos équipes puissent déneiger votre trottoir et la rue devant votre résidence. La Ville de Côte Saint-Luc n’assume aucune responsabilité pour tout dommage à votre propriété qui empiète à nos opérations de déneigement.

Dommages aux propriétés

Si vous pensez que la Ville a endommagé votre propriété, veuillez consulter la page Dommages à la propriété privée.

Sel de voirie et sable

Côte Saint-Luc répand du sel de voirie et des abrasifs sur les rues principales et aux intersections pour aider la circulation routière et assurer la sécurité lorsque de la neige ou de la neige glacée commence à tomber. Quant aux opérations de déblaiement, elles débutent dès qu’il y a 2,5 cm de neige au sol.

Sécurité

Durant les chutes de neige, il y a toujours un éclaireur devant la souffleuse et toute obstruction entraîne immédiatement l’arrêt des opérations par mesure de sécurité.

Circulation accrue aux abords du dépôt à neige

Durant les opérations de déneigement, il y aura plus de circulation de camions lourds dans les secteurs avoisinant le dépôt à neige approuvé selon le plan environnemental, situé sur l’avenue Marc Chagall. Tous les camions de Côte Saint-Luc respectent les règles de circulation selon les instructions données par la Ville.

 

 

 

 

There has been no shortage of snow in recent weeks and that means a lot of activity in our snow dump on Marc Chagall Avenue.

I want to thank our Public Works team, notably Director Beatrice Newman and  Manager of Operations John Monteiro for taking numerous actions to try and curtail noise from the snow dump.

 

Over the last two years we have implemented several changes to reduce the noise emanating from the snow dump:

• There are large signs posted at the entrance/exit to the snow dump advising truckers that banging the rear truck gate is strictly prohibited. These signs did not exist in the past.

• The snow wall along Marc Chagall has been increased in height to reduce the sound traveling towards the town houses to the west. In the past the wall was constructed only using the bulldozers. This year a large shovel was used to build the wall that is 50 percent higher.

• The bulldozer operators have been advised to no longer drop the blade onto the ground creating a thumping noise.

• Previously the bulldozer operators would drop the plow in one swift action. Now they drop the blade halfway before allowing the blade to drop onto the ground reducing the loud thump.

• Finally the monitors have always been instructed to advise the drivers who bang there truck gates that this will not be tolerated. Now they also make a note of the truck and if this is a recurring problem, we advise the contractor that the driver is banned from entering the snow dump.

While the complaints are minimal, I have always been of the opinion that if even one person is disturbed then I would take action. I gathered a few of the concerned individuals with Ms. Newman, Mr. Monteiro and Mayor Mitchell Brownstein.

“This is a snow dump,” Ms. Newman began.  “Although we try to reduce the noise, it doesn’t always happen: big trucks, 10 tons of snow in each truck and pushing tons of snow uphill with a bulldozer.” 

Two dozen no entry/ employees only signs, are going to be installed along the fences and gate. A trailer will be installed at the entrance so that the attendant will see a trespasser immediately and then call dispatch. Automated gates will be installed and the attendant will operate the gates during the working hours of the day. These gates will remain closed unless there is high traffic. We will be installing  a new  electric pole to provide electricity to the trailer and gates. A generator will be placed there until the electricity is connected;

The tailgate noise may occur, but it’s important to remember that this level of noise has dramatically dropped

Measures  have been taken by our Public Works Department to reduce the  noise and vibrations emanating from the snow dumping yard, such as, among other things, implementing specific operating hours and the control of tailgate clanging in order ensure the best quality of life for neighboring residents.

 

I have fielded complaints from residents for years on this subject, notably those living in Les Cours Chagall town houses.

As early as this week Public Works will be installing signage outside and inside the snow dumping yard with pictograms indicating to its users that the clanging of tailgates is not permitted. This will allow the Public Works Department to maintain and enforce order in the snow dumping yard when necessary.

Furthermore, the Public Works Department will be informing neighboring residents when the signs will be put up.

One of the problems we run into at the dump is the fact these truck drivers come from sub--contractors. We make our point very clear about the tailgate clanging, they comply and then new drivers arrive at the scene. It is frustrating for all of us and I hope that these actions initiated by Public Works Director Beatrice Newman and her team are successful.

A number of years ago we had Public Works erect a de facto noise barrier out of snow at the dump. This did help.

 

In the wake of another snowstorm, Côte Saint-Luc’s Public Works Department is doing a fantastic job under trying circumstances.

Of course a lot of activity is taking place in our snow dump on Marc Chagall Avenue in my District 2. Over the weekend I fielded a lot of calls and e-mails from residents. One noted that the sidewalks had not been cleared and she had to walk her dog on the street – not a good situation on any day, especially when heavy trucks are going back and forth. I was able to get that message to Public Works and within an hour the sidewalk was cleared.

When I did my grocery shopping today, so many people came up to me to say how lucky we are to live in a community like Côte Saint-Luc where the snow removal system is so top notch.

“Our teams have been working non-stop with an excellent attitude, trouble shooting as they clear,” commented Public Works Director Beatrice Newman. “I have been all over (the city) this weekend and we are ahead of the game.”

Work by the city and our contractors concluded tonight at 8 pm. The bulldozers planned to work in the dump until 9 pm, with the mechanical shovel staying even later as it makes no noise. The amount of snow in the dump is massive, resembling a ski hill. And it is only mid-January! I understand the concerns of some residents who live near the dump and hear that annoying banging noise from the tractors and trucks. A few years ago we built a snow wall, which proved to double as a sound barrier. For some it is not good enough. As I have noted, we have a lot of contractors this can be difficult to resolve as the truck drivers change. The foreman delivers the message, but he has to repeat this every time new people come on site.

In the city so far we have opened all streets, cleared sidewalks on one side and have started the second side on some streets. Our contractors, Canbec and CMS, have completed about 85 percent of their sidewalks- both sides.

Parking lots and all municipal buildings have been completed.   City employees and contractors have been working well together well and have been dealing equally well with the very problematic issue we have with private contractors pushing resident snow into the streets right after we clean.  

“Congratulations to our foremen team and our Operations Manager John Monteiro, who have been very dedicated to making the magic happen,” Ms. Newman said. “We received 36 centimeters and together with some really nice residents who have contacted me personally with tips, our teams were able to take care of some issues quickly.”

The 2010 Côte Saint-Luc Winter Carnival  was a big success,  featuring horse-drawn carriage rides, taffy on the snow, a pancake breakfast, outdoor hockey tournament and much more at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Park and the Samuel Moskovitch Arena over the Valentine’s Day Weekend. In fact, the fun continues on Saturday evening, February 20  (7:30 p.m.) at the Côte Saint-Luc Gymnasium (7500 Mackle Road) with the second annual “Dance to the Oldies But Goodies,” with music from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Tickets are $18 (in advance only). Call 514-485-6806 for details.

Congratulations to our Parks and Recreation staff and event co-chairs, Councillors Mitchell Brownstein and Allan J. Levine.  

The fun all began on Friday, February 12 with the beginning of the Peewee ‘A' invitational outdoor hockey tournament. Eight teams from various communities  participated.   On Saturday, February 13, there was a  special public skating session at the Samuel Moskovitch Arena., with all proceeds from the entrance fees going to Manoir Ronald McDonald (

(www.rmhc.ca). The latter, located in Côte des Neiges,  offers an affordable and comforting home away from home for families who have a child hospitalized for a serious sickness in a Montreal hospital.  

On Sunday, February 14, a hot pancake breakfast was served in Chalet 1 of Pierre Elliott Trudeau Park.

The breakfast was sponsored by McDonald's franchisee Pierre Brunet.  I had a chance to chat with our most beautiful police officer, Station 9’s Marie Christine Nobert, who is always on hand for our events to lend a hand. Over the course of the afternoon children got to enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, balloons, hot chocolate, cider, taffy on snow, inflatable activities, horse-drawn carriage rides and skating on Centennial Lake.  Luc Carnival, the event mascot, was busy making the rounds.

I also had a chance to view the magnificent figure skating club exhibition and take part in the presentation of trophies.

Following this we had the pleasure of presenting a cheque of $3,000 to  Le Manoir Ronald McDonald de Montréal, increasing the figure of $2,500 from last year.

Public skating was free of charge from for one hour and that was followed by   the Youth Hockey all-star game...

 

Event sponsors included The Suburban, Domino's Pizza, IGA Pagano, Qualitifruits and Infusion Catering.

 

-

Yes, I know it is the beginning of September. However, I am pleased to report that the dirty muddy hill at the  Snow Dump on Marc Chagall Avenue has finally disappeared. Due to the extraordinary amount of snow we received last winter, the hill stayed with us - albeit shrinking in size- for much of the summer. Mayor Anthony Housefather and I did find ways for Public Works to bring in equipment to break down the hill and open up more drainage. And it worked! There were some who feared back in June that the hill would have remained intact for the next snowfall in December. That concern can now be let go.

Temporary no parking signs The City of Côte Saint-Luc will be putting temporary no parking signs on many streets before our snow clearing operation in the coming days. The goal is to prevent delays in snow clearing caused by vehicles parked on city streets.

Towing
If you see a temporary no parking sign near your parked vehicle, please move your vehicle. If you don't, your vehicle may be towed to an adjacent street and you will be fined $97. If your vehicle is towed, you can call 514-485-6960 to find out where it was moved.

Parking alternatives
If you see temporary no parking signs on your street, you might want to consider parking your car overnight at a nearby city parking lot (eg, library, arena, parks, etc.). (However, city parking lots may not be used overnight in normal times.) We also encourage residents to use all available parking spaces on their driveway or in their garage at all times--especially during and after a heavy snowfall.

Labels: snow