More than 72,000 tonnes of snow have been removed from Toronto streets since Wednesday, according to a winter operations update from the city.
Following two major February snowstorms, city crews began removing snow buildup along roadways, sidewalks, and bike lanes earlier this week.
The latest update says as of 10 a.m. Friday, a total of 72,105 tonnes of snow have been removed from 101 kilometres (km) of roadways, 11 km of bike lanes, and 18 km of sidewalks.
The city adds that dump trucks have transported 3,135 loads of snow to designated storage sites since Wednesday.
Snow removal is being done on a priority basis along “main streets with transit routes, hospitals and emergency services stations, sidewalks and school bus loading zones, as well as roads and bridge decks with limited space for snow storage,” the city said in its update.
It also said snow removal is being scheduled on major streets during evenings and overnight to minimize congestion during rush hour.
Despite the amount of snow already carted off to storage sites, the city estimates full removal will take up to three weeks to complete.
Residents are reminded that parking on roads designated as snow routes, which include all streetcar routes, is prohibited. Vehicles parked on snow routes or where temporary orange “no parking” signs are in place will be towed at the owner’s expense and subject to a fine of up to $200.
The city says it is accepting service requests for snow clean-up. Residents can report an area that needs attention by calling 311, using the online form, or through the 311 Toronto mobile app.
