**CITY OF TIMMINS NEWS RELEASE**

City staff are kindly asking that residents remain patient while we experience a back log in snow removal operations.

We are currently receiving a large number of concerns about snow bank heights and congested streets, and would like to assure residents that crews are working diligently to get caught up. Over the past several weeks the city has seen an extraordinary amount of snowfall, and has been dispatching all available resources but snow removal crews are often re-deployed to support plowing activity when dealing with winter storm conditions.

During this time, we are also asking for cooperation from residents, and would like to address the following issues:

– Clearing snow from private property: When clearing snow from your property, it is important to adhere to the guidelines set out in the City of Timmins Snow By-Law (1993-4162). Firstly, as residents, we must never place snow from our property out onto the street or sidewalk. Snow on the street or sidewalk can create various safety hazards, obstruct pedestrian traffic and/or put the city at an unnecessary risk of liability. It is also important to ensure that the snow we clear to gain access to our driveways does not obstruct the view of drivers or put pedestrians at risk by forcing them to walk further onto the road than necessary.

If you would like to obtain a copy of our Snow By-Law, it can be found online at https://timmins.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/20693?preview=20709.

If you see someone placing their snow on the street, and wish to report them, you may do so by contacting Service Timmins by telephone at 705-264-1331 or by email at servicetimmins@timmins.ca

– Extra caution when approaching snow plowing equipment: The safety of our residents and staff is our number one priority, and we remind motorists to be extra vigilant when approaching snow plowing equipment. When safe to do so, the operators may at times back up or travel into opposing lanes. The operator of a road service vehicle is exempt from certain sections of the Highway Traffic Act when precautions are taken to eliminate any hazard. Motorists are advised to keep a safe distance from winter maintenance equipment, and if necessary and safe to pass, to always ensure they are seen by the operator.

– Plowing operations take priority over snow removal: Plowing operations fall under the Minimum Maintenance Standards as per the Highway Traffic Act, while snow removal is not required or mandated in any form. The City of Timmins’ Public Works Department opts to provide this service in order to enhance the level of road safety in the community.

Filed under: Local News