Niagara Falls mayor says most people are in favour, most don't want to pay more taxes for the city to provide the service
The City of Niagara Falls is about to implement a by-law requiring homeowners to clear the sidewalk of snow at your home.
Manager of Municipal works Eric Nickel says this will go into force in October of 2026, giving people lots of time to become aware of it.
He adds they're ready for those who refuse. "We do have some repeat customers, for example, who we might want to have those conversations, to explain to them why they've been asked to clear their sidewalks, and what their responsibilities are in relation to the by-law. But it's no different than how we would treat tall grass, or any other types of property standards complaints."
If someone does not, the city will give a letter of non-compliance, and if it's not done after 48 hours, the city will clear the snow, but pass the bill to the homeowner.
Mayor Jim Diodati says the majority of people are in favour of this.
City Solicitor Nidhi Punyarthi says any liability of falls still rests on the city, since sidewalks are city owned. "And how much the city pays is really determined by how unsafe that area was, so when you have a by-law in place, there's a greater chance that people are going to be clearing it, there'll be fewer slips and falls."
The city will spend between now and October helping people learn of the by-law.
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