The Editor,
Coquitlam city crews are doing a good job of clearing the streets.
Unfortunately, they are also contributing to the problem of unclear sidewalks, making it unsafe for pedestrians as they have to walk in the road. It is frustrating having spent few hours clearing the sidewalk and driveway only to have the snow dumped back on it.
Thus, I sent this letter to city hall:
After each snow fall, Coquitlam residents face the same problem: snow plows dumping snow back on sidewalks after they had been cleared.
Is there no solution for this? Perhaps using a narrower blade or don’t plow so close to the sidewalk?
My neighbour (65-plus years of age) and I spent several hours of back-breaking work to clear our driveways and sidewalk for pedestrians, to be good citizens so that pedestrians don’t have to walk on the road — a major hazard, especially at night. While I appreciate the city workers plowing the road, it is very frustrating to see tonnes of snow get dumped back on the sidewalk.
In doing so, the city is creating a dangerous situation for pedestrians, forcing them to walk on the road. This a liability for the city should someone sue it as a party to the negligence.
I have spoken to someone at the city works yard. He suggested there is nothing the city can do. Let’s start with sending someone to clear up the mess. I don’t think residents want to clear their sidewalks again just so the city can dump the snow back on later.
Raymond Young, Coquitlam
