The City of Sarnia will explore a volunteer program and other options for removing snow from sidewalks in the winter. Monday, Sarnia City Council heard from Sean Finch, a concerned resident whose step-daughter walks over 20 minutes to school a day, and often on the road of sidewalks aren't plowed. Finch is proposing the budget increase by over $1-million to purchase equipment, hire staff and maintain operations of clearing all 328km of city sidewalks in the winter. A motion passed unanimously for city staff to research other options for snow removal, including sub-contracting and a volunteer program that could involve student community hours. City Engineer Andre Morin said other regions, like Niagara-on-the-Lake have tried volunteer programs in the past and found it to be an "administrative nightmare". He says Sarnia has previously, and unsuccessfully, tried fining residents for not clearing sidewalks on their properties. Councillor Bev MacDougall noted fines would also pressure seniors to get out and shovel, putting them at a higher risk of heart attacks. The city currently maintains 152km of sidewalks in high priority regions such as the hospital and commercial areas. A report for council's consideration is to come forward in the future.
