I grew up there, in Montreal. I've never understood why a city that gets so much snow, has all those exterior staircases. You almost never see them here in Ottawa or in Toronto.
Simple reasons: cost less to build with exteriors stairscases than inside and give more space inside. Don’t forget at that time, the families add many children.
They’re generally pretty on top of it, but it’s tough to clear sidewalks down to bare concrete, especially during active snowfall when snow starts accumulating again right away.
It’s still plenty fine to walk on, but a sled works too.
I’m in DC this week (for #TRBAM) and the snow removal is a danger & disgrace to society. Sidewalks at public squares aren’t cleared. Almost slipped multiple times walking the national mall. Climb snow ridges to cross street or board buses. US Capitol Police block off sidewalk ramps making you climb!
I joked to my mom that if the snow removal was like this in Toronto, Canadians would riot.
And the snow fall was on Sunday night. Took until Tuesday or Wednesday for them to finally plow the roads for cars at least. Bike lanes also not cleared.
That sucks! If you have any shots, feel free to send them along, I might make a video at some point on sidewalk clearing. Every winter I become kind of obsessed with this stuff
and they can put more salt on it because salt eats away concrete but not asphalt. Sometimes I wish they would put a little less, they are not good for the bikes!
I don’t bike but I think the one problem with Canadian snow removal practices is using too much salt rather than more traction sand and investing in snow melting systems on frequent walking areas.
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(we wore one out completely, and had to buy a new one)
It’s still plenty fine to walk on, but a sled works too.
And the snow fall was on Sunday night. Took until Tuesday or Wednesday for them to finally plow the roads for cars at least. Bike lanes also not cleared.
But I also worry that undershooting on salt means more ice on bike lanes that also makes winter cycling more dangerous & less appealing