Richmond Hill residents are voicing their frustration over the slow pace of snow removal from sidewalks following recent heavy snowfall. Many have reported struggling to navigate icy and snow-covered paths, making daily commutes and errands difficult. With temperatures fluctuating, the risk of ice buildup has further heightened safety concerns for pedestrians, particularly seniors and individuals with mobility challenges.

Several residents have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction, criticizing the city for not prioritizing sidewalk clearing as quickly as main roads. “It’s been days, and the sidewalks are still a mess,” said local resident James Carter. “People are forced to walk on the road, which is extremely dangerous.” Some have also noted inconsistencies in snow removal, with certain areas cleared faster than others. The delays have sparked renewed calls for the city to improve its response times and allocate more resources to sidewalk maintenance during the winter months.

City officials acknowledge the concerns but say crews are working as fast as possible to manage the large volume of snow.  In an email to Strong RH reporter, Mayor David West wrote: “This has been a very challenging storm, exceeding anything we have seen in the past few years.”  However, with continued public pressure, Richmond Hill may need to reassess its winter maintenance strategy to ensure safer and more accessible sidewalks for all residents.