The Second Wave of Snow Removal is Underway in Montreal until the Mandatory Break Which Will Begin Tomorrow

MONTREAL, Dec. 23, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - This winter's second snow removal operation began last night in most of Montreal's boroughs, following the heavy snowfall that dropped some 30 centimetres over the city in the past few days in addition to freezing rain. Early this morning, the loading operation got underway throughout the City of Montreal's territory and we estimate that 10% of the snow removal has been carried out at this time.

Snow-clearing operations will continue in most boroughs until approximately 4 pm on December 24. The City of Montreal will then suspend loading operations in most boroughs until Thursday, December 26, at 7 a.m. This break will allow employees and contractors to enjoy the holidays and to rest, as dictated in the provincial Regulation respecting the hours of driving and rest. This regulation prescribes that heavy vehicle drivers must take a rest period of at least 36 consecutive hours after working 70 hours over a period of 7 days or less.

If additional snow accumulation reaches 2.5 centimetres or more during this period, the City of Montreal will ensure that the main arteries and streets with major bus lines, metro stations and hospitals are plowed and salted.

"Some 3000 employees and 2200 vehicles have been on the job for several days to clear away the snow and facilitate travel for Montrealers as we head into the holiday period. We are making every effort to ensure Montrealers can travel safely," said Anie Samson, City of Montreal Executive Committee Vice-President and member responsible for public safety and services for citizens.

The 30 centimetres that we received in the last few days are equal to 53 centimetres of water. This is a very large quantity but removal should be completed by December 31.

Towing
Last week, 5000 cars were towed during the first snow removal operation. There is still considerable work to be done by all seeing that since 7 a.m this morning 700 cars were towed.

"I urge Montreal's citizens to be patient and vigilant, to opt for public transportation and to obey parking regulations. If we don't have to bother with towing cars that are hindering operations, things run more smoothly and everyone wins," concluded Ms. Samson.

For further information, Montrealers can visit the following Web site: www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/snowremoval.

SOURCE: Ville de Montréal - Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif

For further information:

Source:   Louis-Pascal Cyr
Mayor's Office and Executive Committee
514 207-5525

Information:  Media relations / Snow removal
514 872-5616