Brandon asks residents to clear sidewalks

As the winter season is upon us, it is important that everyone in our community can get around safely, which is why the City is asking everyone to keep their sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Sidewalks clear of the winter elements provide safe passage for families, neighbours, friends, and all pedestrians.

The vast majority of residents in Brandon are already doing exactly what we are famous for – being a good neighbour. Many residents already clear their sidewalk, and maybe the sidewalk of an elderly neighbour, too. But over the years, there have been some complaints of sidewalks not being clear of snow and ice, causing hazardous conditions to pedestrians.

To help mitigate this issue, the City of Brandon passed the Community Standards By-law, which addresses, in part, the need to make sure that all sidewalks are clear of ice and snow.

Section 2.3.2 of the Community Standards By-Law reads “Every owner and/or occupant of a property shall clear away and remove, or cause to be cleared away and removed, any and all snow or ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property to a condition to provide safe passage by pedestrians.” 

What does this mean?

This By-law states what most of us are already doing: clearing any sidewalk that is touching a property we own or live in. If a sidewalk has not been cleared of ice or snow, a representative from Brandon Police Service (BPS) will remind the property owner or occupant that they need to clear their sidewalk. Once notified, the property owner will have approximately 48 hours to have the ice or snow removed. Property owners residing outside of Brandon will be granted additional time to ensure compliance.

If the sidewalk is still not cleared after the allotted time, BPS may issue a ticket and arrange for the snow and ice to be removed. The homeowner will be responsible for any associated costs. Fees associated with the ticket will be $200, or $100 if paid within 15 days.

BPS will always work to educate residents first. Ticketing is not the first priority – educating residents is the priority. The main goal of this By-Law is to ensure that everyone has safe passage.

Does it matter where I pile my snow?

Yes! It is important that residents do not shovel snow onto the street, by a bus stop, or on corners of streets that would reduce visibility or sight lines for motorists or pedestrians.

Snow Angels Program

The City understands that not everyone is available to clear their own municipally owned sidewalks, which is why the City created the Snow Angels Program.

The Snow Angels Program is a voluntary snow removal service for senior citizens and persons with physical disabilities. The program matches volunteers from the community with residents in their neighbourhood requiring assistance. Volunteers are asked to help clear the municipally owned sidewalks only around the resident’s property to keep our neighbourhoods safer and more accessible. For more information or to volunteer, please visit snowangels.brandon.ca.

Thank you for your cooperation as we work together to have a safe and accessible community this winter.