Item - 2022.EX29.15

Tracking Status

  • City Council adopted this item on February 2, 2022 with amendments.
  • This item was considered by the Executive Committee on January 26, 2022 and adopted without amendment. It will be considered by City Council on February 2, 2022.

EX29.15 - Major Snow Event Post-Operational Report

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Amended
Wards:
All

City Council Decision

City Council, on February 2 and 3, 2022, adopted the following:

 

1. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to include in the post-operational report to the March 29, 2022 meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on the January 2022 major snow event, the following:

 

a. recommendations for improved reporting standards following major snow events;

 

b. identifying how much work remains to be done;

 

c. the expected timelines which Councillors can communicate to residents;

 

d. quality of service delivery on sidewalks, roads, and cycling infrastructure;

 

e. timeliness of snow clearing and removal activities;

 

f. prioritizing Community Safety Zones, including School and Senior Safety Zones;

 

g. access to public transit and bus/streetcar shelters;

 

h. windrow clearing;

 

i. improve data displayed on the PlowTO Map website;

 

j.  ensuring that clear language on the responsibility of the City of Toronto, homeowners, tenants, schools and other parties for:

 

1. clearing of snow from sidewalks; and

 

2. the salting of sidewalks after snow clearing has been completed

 

is available on the City's website and in the City's communications;

 

k. the results of discussions with Toronto’s local school boards about their responsibility and support during large snowfall events;

 

 l.  the feasibility of the City of Toronto's Transportation Services assuming responsibility of clearing sidewalk windrows as part of the City's snow clearing efforts;

 

m. the development of a Major Snow Fall Preparedness Plan, which would be activated upon a major snow fall event, allowing for the redeployment of City Staff for support of the clearing initiative; and

 

n. that, as part of the clearing process of large snow fall events, City staff ensure that Members of Council receive regular updates in order to better understand the on the ground needs of communities.

 

2. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to provide an immediate strategy for snow clearing and removal operations that addresses, but is not limited to, the priorities listed in Parts 1.d. to i. above.

 

3. City Council request the City Manager to report on options for operationalizing the Emergency Office in cases of extraordinary weather events which includes in person Councillor briefings allowing for information exchange on critical matters and to add an adaptation lens response to extreme weather events; such report to also include the threshold at which the Emergency Operations Centre would be operationalized.

 

4. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to:

 

a. attend the February 22, 2022 meeting of the Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee and to consult with members before finalizing the Major Snow Event Post-Operational Report to ensure Toronto remains an accessible city for all, including people living with disabilities;

 

b. review the current levels of winter service, snow and ice clearing for all public spaces including sidewalks and pathways connected to Toronto Transit Commission routes, schools, parks, areas, community centres, bike lanes, cycle tracks, Toronto Transit Commission stops, transit routes etc., and to ensure that the City can meet its obligations in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act; and

 

c. work with Strategic Communications to establish a plan to communicate more effectively and if relevant geographically with Toronto residents to establish realistic expectations after a major snowfall.

City Council Decision Advice and Other Information

During the review of the Order Paper on February 2, 2022, City Council adopted a procedural motion to remove this Item from the jurisdiction of the Executive Committee and bring it forward for consideration by City Council.

Background Information (Committee)

(January 26, 2022) Letter from Mayor John Tory on Major Snow Event Post-Operational Report
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2022/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-175553.pdf

Communications (Committee)

(January 24, 2022) E-mail from Robert Zaichkowski (EX.New)
(January 26, 2022) E-mail from Robert Zaichkowski, Toronto Community Bikeways Coalition (EX.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2022/ex/comm/communicationfile-144446.pdf
(January 26, 2022) E-mail from Mayor John Tory (EX.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2022/ex/comm/communicationfile-144449.pdf

Motions (City Council)

1 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Josh Matlow (Carried)

That:

 

1. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to include in the report to the March 29, 2022 meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee, the following:

 

a. quality of service delivery on sidewalks, roads, and cycling infrastructure;

 

b. timeliness of snow clearing and removal activities;

 

c. prioritizing Community Safety Zones, including School and Senior Safety Zones;

 

d. access to public transit and bus/streetcar shelters;

 

e. windrow clearing; and

 

f. improve data displayed on the PlowTO Map website.

 

2. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to provide an immediate strategy for snow clearing and removal operations that addresses, but not limited to, the priorities listed in Part 1 above.

Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Feb-02-2022 8:23 PM

Result: Carried Majority Required - EX29.15 - Matlow - motion 1
Total members that voted Yes: 25 Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Ana Bailão, Brad Bradford, Shelley Carroll, Mike Colle, Gary Crawford, Joe Cressy, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Michael Ford, Mark Grimes, Stephen Holyday, Cynthia Lai, Mike Layton, Nick Mantas, Josh Matlow, Jennifer McKelvie, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, John Tory, Kristyn Wong-Tam
Total members that voted No: 0 Members that voted No are
Total members that were Absent: 1 Members that were absent are Michael Thompson

2 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor John Filion (Carried)

That:

  

1. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to include in the report to the March 29, 2022 meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee, the following:

 

a. recommendations for improved reporting standards following major snow events;

 

b. identifying how much work remains to be done; and

 

c. the expected timelines which Councillors can communicate to residents. 


3 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor James Pasternak (Carried)

That:

 

1. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to include in the report to the March 29, 2022 meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee, information on the following: 

 

a.  ensuring that clear language on the responsibility of the City of Toronto, homeowners, tenants, schools and other parties for:

 

1. clearing of snow from sidewalks; and

 

2. the salting of sidewalks after snow clearing has been completed;

 

is available on the City's website and in the City's communications;

 

b. the results of discussions with Toronto’s local school boards about their responsibility and support during large snowfall events;

 

c.  the feasibility of the City of Toronto's Transportation Services assuming responsibility of clearing sidewalk windrows as part of the City's snow clearing efforts;

 

d. the development of a Major Snow Fall Preparedness Plan, which would be activated upon a major snow fall event, allowing for the redeployment of City Staff for support of the clearing initiative; and

 

e. that, as part of the clearing process of large snow fall events, City staff ensure that Members of Council receive regular updates in order to better understand the on the ground needs of communities.

Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Feb-02-2022 8:25 PM

Result: Carried Majority Required - EX29.15 - Pasternak - motion 3
Total members that voted Yes: 25 Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Ana Bailão, Brad Bradford, Shelley Carroll, Mike Colle, Gary Crawford, Joe Cressy, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Michael Ford, Mark Grimes, Stephen Holyday, Cynthia Lai, Mike Layton, Nick Mantas, Josh Matlow, Jennifer McKelvie, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, John Tory, Kristyn Wong-Tam
Total members that voted No: 0 Members that voted No are
Total members that were Absent: 1 Members that were absent are Michael Thompson

4 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Paula Fletcher (Carried)

That

 

1. City Council request the City Manager to report on options for operationalizing the Emergency Office in cases of extraordinary weather events which includes in person Councillor briefings allowing for information exchange on critical matters and to add an adaptation lens response to extreme weather events; such report to also include the threshold at which the Emergency Operations Centre would be operationalized.

Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Feb-02-2022 8:26 PM

Result: Carried Majority Required - EX29.15 - Fletcher - motion 4
Total members that voted Yes: 25 Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Ana Bailão, Brad Bradford, Shelley Carroll, Mike Colle, Gary Crawford, Joe Cressy, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Michael Ford, Mark Grimes, Stephen Holyday, Cynthia Lai, Mike Layton, Nick Mantas, Josh Matlow, Jennifer McKelvie, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, John Tory, Kristyn Wong-Tam
Total members that voted No: 0 Members that voted No are
Total members that were Absent: 1 Members that were absent are Michael Thompson

5 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam (Carried)

That:

 

1. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to:

 

a. attend the February 22, 2022 meeting of the Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee and to consult with members before finalizing the Major Snow Event Post-Operational Report to ensure Toronto remains an accessible city for all, including people living with disabilities;

 

b. review the current levels of winter service, snow and ice clearing for all public spaces including sidewalks and pathways connected to Toronto Transit Commission routes, schools, parks, areas, community centres, bike lanes, cycle tracks, Toronto Transit Commission stops, transit routes etc., and to ensure that the City can meet its obligations in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act; and

 

c. work with Strategic Communications to establish a plan to communicate more effectively and if relevant geographically with Toronto residents to establish realistic expectations after a major snowfall.


Motion to Adopt Item as Amended (Carried)

Motion to End Debate moved by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie (Lost)

That in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 27, Council Procedures, City Council end the debate on Item EX29.15 and take the vote immediately.

Vote (End Debate) Feb-02-2022 8:00 PM

Result: Lost Two-Thirds Required - EX29.15 - McKelvie - End Debate
Total members that voted Yes: 14 Members that voted Yes are Ana Bailão, Brad Bradford, Mike Colle, Gary Crawford, Joe Cressy, Mark Grimes, Stephen Holyday, Cynthia Lai, Nick Mantas, Jennifer McKelvie, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak, John Tory
Total members that voted No: 10 Members that voted No are Paul Ainslie, Shelley Carroll, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Michael Ford, Mike Layton, Josh Matlow, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Kristyn Wong-Tam
Total members that were Absent: 2 Members that were absent are Jaye Robinson, Michael Thompson

Point of Order by Councillor Josh Matlow

Councillor Matlow, on a Point of Order, stated that he would like guidance from the Speaker on when a Member of Council holds an Item as he had, whether that Member would be asked to ask questions of staff first and speak first.

Ruling by Speaker Frances Nunziata
Speaker Nunziata accepted the Point of Order and ruled that Council had just introduced the item and that no one had held the item.


Point of Order by Councillor Josh Matlow

Councillor Matlow, on a Point of Order, stated that he believed he was holding the item.

Ruling by Speaker Frances Nunziata
Speaker Nunziata accepted the Point of Order and asked if Councillor Matlow had questions of staff.


Point of Order by Mayor John Tory

Mayor Tory, on a Point of Order, stated that he believed as Mayor, he has the right to speak first on an Item even if another Member holds it.

Ruling by Speaker Frances Nunziata
Speaker Nunziata accepted the Point of Order and ruled yes, it is an Executive Committee report.


Point of Order by Councillor Paul Ainslie

Councillor Ainslie, on a Point of Order, stated that there used to be a clock on the screen so that Members could see how much time was left to speak and that he was unclear how much time he had left to question staff.

Ruling by Speaker Frances Nunziata
Speaker Nunziata accepted the Point of Order and asked the Deputy City Clerk, Secretariat to respond.

Kelly McCarthy, Deputy City Clerk, Secretariat advised Council that Members may be recalling that at Committee meetings there is a timer on the screen. However at Council meetings the timer is in the Clerk's Meeting Portal. There isn't another timer on the screen because the two systems can't be synchronized.


Point of Order by Councillor Paula Fletcher

Councillor Fletcher, on a Point of Order, stated that it is unclear why Members can't have a clock in the meeting and that the public may not be aware that Members have two screens, and it is very hard to go back and forth between those screens. Councillor Fletcher further stated that she would like the Speaker to look into the matter.

Ruling by Speaker Frances Nunziata
Speaker Nunziata accepted the Point of Order and ruled that staff would look into the matter.


Point of Order by Councillor Gord Perks

Councillor Perks, on a Point of Order, stated that the Speaker had asked Councillor Perruzza to stop asking questions.

Ruling by Speaker Frances Nunziata
Speaker Nunziata accepted the Point of Order and ruled that Councillor Perruzza should stop asking questions of staff and thanked Councillor Perks for his comments.


Point of Order by Councillor Joe Cressy

Councillor Cressy, on a Point of Order, stated that he would like the Speaker to clarify that if Council has extended the meeting to complete this Item and given that it's 7:30 p.m. and there are nine Members on the list to speak and Council has not completed questions of staff, will Council continue until the item is done?

Ruling by Speaker Frances Nunziata
Speaker Nunziata accepted the Point of Order and ruled that as she noted earlier when Council voted to extend the meeting, Members should have consideration for staff who need to get home ahead of the snow and that perhaps some of the questions don't need to be asked now but when the report comes back to Council.


Point of Order by Mayor John Tory

Mayor Tory, on a Point of Order, stated that the purpose of the request is to get a report that will answer Members' questions and that he is happy for the issues raised by Councillor Matlow to be incorporated.  Mayor Tory further stated that the same staff answering questions in the meeting will need to continue to work afterwards to prepare for the storm that's coming, and he too thought that Council would have a concise debate to ensure Council gets a report that answers all the questions.

Ruling by Speaker Frances Nunziata
Speaker Nunziata accepted the Point of Order and ruled that Council would not be here for hours asking questions that have been asked and answered, and that this report request is important, which is why Council voted to bring the item forward.


Point of Order by Councillor Mark Grimes

Councillor Grimes, on a Point of Order, stated that he would like to move a motion to stop meeting at  8:00 p.m.


Point of Order by Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong

Deputy Mayor Minnan-Wong, on a Point of Order, stated that Councillor Grimes' motion is not in order as Members are asking questions of staff now and Council should finish those questions.

Ruling by Speaker Frances Nunziata
Speaker Nunziata accepted the Point of Order and ruled that Councillor Grimes' motion to finish at 8:00 p.m. was in order and that Council was still asking questions of staff.


Point of Order by Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong

Deputy Mayor Minnan-Wong, on a Point of Order, stated that Council should finish questions and that the Speaker should follow the rules.

Ruling by Speaker Frances Nunziata
Speaker Nunziata accepted the Point of Order and ruled that she is following the rules and that it is in order for Councillor Grimes to place the procedural motion.


Point of Order by Mayor John Tory

Mayor Tory, on a Point of Order, stated that Council should continue asking questions to get information that will help guide the report and use some discipline in speaking so that Council can complete the item and that Councillor Grimes might consider withdrawing his motion.


Point of Order by Councillor Mark Grimes

Councillor Grimes, on a Point of Order, withdrew his motion.


Point of Order by Councillor Joe Cressy

Councillor Cressy, on a Point of Order stated that it is a Member's right to call the question and Council should vote on it without debate.


Point of Order by Councillor Shelley Carroll

Councillor Carroll, on a Point of Order, stated that the Speaker should rule on there being no debate on a motion to call the question.

Ruling by Councillor Frances Nunziata
Speaker Nunziata accepted the Points of Order and ruled that there is no debate and that Councillor Perruzza and other Members know that but don't listen.

EX29.15 - Major Snow Event Post-Operational Report

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Adopted
Wards:
All

Committee Recommendations

The Executive Committee:

 

1. Directed the General Manager, Transportation Services to present to the March 29, 2022 meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee a post-operational report on the January 2022 major snow event.

Origin

(January 26, 2022) Letter from Mayor John Tory

Summary

On January 17 one of the largest snowstorms in decades hit the city of Toronto. A total of 55 cm of snow fell in 15 hours.  Major expressways - the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway - were closed and many local streets and sidewalks were rendered impassible. Since that time, City crews have undertaken the largest snow removal operation in the City's history and have been working to remove the snow from curb lanes, sidewalks, bike lanes, and pathways. Enormous efforts have been made with more than 30,000 tonnes of snow removed already and there is still more work to do.

 

As with any major event, a post-operational report is a worthwhile endeavour. I am asking that we examine how City Divisions reacted to this challenge and discover whatever lessons can be learned to ensure that in future we can continue to react quickly and efficiently as possible.

Background Information

(January 26, 2022) Letter from Mayor John Tory on Major Snow Event Post-Operational Report
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2022/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-175553.pdf

Communications

(January 24, 2022) E-mail from Robert Zaichkowski (EX.New)
(January 26, 2022) E-mail from Robert Zaichkowski, Toronto Community Bikeways Coalition (EX.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2022/ex/comm/communicationfile-144446.pdf
(January 26, 2022) E-mail from Mayor John Tory (EX.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2022/ex/comm/communicationfile-144449.pdf

Motions

1 - Motion to Add New Business at Committee moved by Mayor John Tory (Carried)

2 - Motion to Adopt Item moved by Mayor John Tory (Carried)
Source: Toronto City Clerk at www.toronto.ca/council