HRM's sidewalk snow removal plan gets mixed reviews

People in Halifax are on very different sides of the street when it comes to whether city councils snap decision to expand sidewalk snow removal is a good thing.

Starting next winter the city will clear the sidewalks on the peninsula and in Spryfield just like it already does in other parts of the municipality.

People with a home assessed at just over $200,000 dollars who don't have the service now will pay an extra $35 on their taxes. Everyone else will see roughly a $4 increase.

"It's good for me but on the other hand taxes are going up and as I said I'm a senior. I'm on a fixed income so it's a wavy situation," said resident Geraldine Parker.

For others, including Margie MacDonald who lives on a corner lot, it means avoiding a lot of shovelling.

"Well, it can take anywhere from like half an hour to three or four hours depending on the depth of the snow. I'm going to have a heart attack," said MacDonald.

She said it was so difficult last winter she had to hire a company to do it for her.

"So I am really happy, and I am happy to pay for taxes because this is a public service and I believe taxes cover public services."

The idea narrowly passed at regional council, coming down to a nine to eight vote.

"I know Ive gotten 20 emails from my residents. Nineteen of them are against the increase and the service being provided," said Coun. Waye Mason.

Mason, the councillor for the south end of the peninsula, voted against the motion. He said he expects many homeowners will continue shovelling instead of waiting for the city to get around to it.

"It could be three days, which is a really long time for main streets or streets that have a lot of pedestrian traffic. The issue for me is that we rushed into this."

Mason said he expects he will continue to hear opposition well into next winter.