Report icy sidewalks

Photo: City of Penticton

City crews digging out a bus stop this week

The City of Penticton is reminding residents to clear sidewalks next to their property of snow and ice by 11 a.m. following a snow event.

In a news release Friday, the city says it has issued 190 removal notices in 2017 and the first part of 2018.

Just one of those resulted in a ticket. Bylaw Supervisor Tina Siebert says most of the time, the warning notice does the trick and property owner clears their sidewalks.

“We all have a role to play in removing snow and ice.  City sidewalks bordering public property are cleared by crews in accordance with the City’s snow clearing priorities while sidewalks bordering private property are the responsibility of the adjacent owner or occupant”, said Public Works Manager, Len Robson. “If the sidewalk bordering the property you own or occupy is covered in snow or ice, please see that is it cleared”.

In response to complaints on Facebook and media attention, the city is asking residents to report neglected and snow covered sidewalks to the city’s bylaw department at 250-490-2440 or [email protected].

“There are a number of channels by which concerns involving snow and ice are brought to the attention of City staff, including comments on social media and stories via reporters.  While the City does receive and act on concerns received via these channels, contacting the City directly by phone and email or its Facebook and Twitter accounts will ensure most incidents involving excessive amounts of accumulated snow and ice are received, logged and investigated,” the news release says.