Please be advised that the City’s annual Spring Clean-up Program is getting underway on the City’s roads, sidewalks and boulevards.
Once again, this year’s program includes the following activities:
- Pothole repair
- Sod damage repair
- Sidewalk inspection and repair
- Litter clean-up
- Stormwater inlet and outlet clearing
- Illegal sign removal
- Street sweeping
- Pavement markings
Pothole and Asphalt Repair
In the winter, freezing and thawing can cause water under asphalt to expand and contract, which can lead to potholes and cracks in the roadway. City crews have already started their pothole repair program, with several hundred tonnes of hot mix asphalt anticipated to be used throughout the warmer months. While the majority of potholes are repaired in the spring, the City repairs potholes year-round when temperatures are warmer and the weather allows for it. This is more efficient, cost-effective and helps keep roads in a state of good repair so that residents and visitors can travel safely all year long. You can report a pothole online.
Sod Damage
When clearing snow from sidewalks, the City’s plow operators try to minimize sod damage as much as possible. Unfortunately, some sod damage may still occur. Sod damage can happen for a variety of reasons:
- Sod that has overgrown onto the sidewalk can easily get caught by the plow.
- When the ground is wet and not frozen (typically early and late in the winter season), sod is easily lifted and torn.
- Deep snow can hide sidewalk edge lines, making it difficult for the plow operator to see the sidewalk’s boundaries.
- Obstacles like landscaping, low hanging branches and vehicles parked on the sidewalk may force the plow operator onto the grass to avoid hitting them.
Residents can report sod damage to the City by calling 311 or reporting it online. Staff will investigate the damage. If the repair requires new sod, it will be replaced in the spring (May to June).
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 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 completed on a priority basis as a part of our regular maintenance schedule.
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.
Inlet and Outlet Cleaning
Crews continue to monitor and clear debris from inlets and outlets to ensure stormwater can flow freely. Residents can report any build-up of natural debris, such as leaves, large tree limbs or sediment, by calling 3-1-1.
Illegal Sign Removal
Illegal signs are collected regularly as a part of routine work. Residents can also report illegal signs at any time by calling 3-1-1 or submitting a request online.
Our next city-wide illegal sign blitz is scheduled to coincide with the upcoming Spring Clean-up Program.
Street Sweeping and Boulevard/Island Flushing
The annual Spring Street Sweeping Program is expected to begin in April, weather permitting. We will share more details with you about this program as dates are confirmed.
Pavement Marking Retrace Program
Our annual Pavement Marking Retrace Program will commence in May following the completion of the Spring Sweeping Program and continues until the fall. As part of the program, the City refreshes existing pavement markings including centrelines, lane lines, crosswalks, stop bars and directional arrows.
Read the City’s news article found here.