Large snow banks a hazard, Sudbury councillor says

Sudbury city councillors say more snow banks should be removed from city streets this winter in the name of safety.

But city staff warned against setting a policy that they might not have enough crews to keep up.

City councillor Joe Cimino said those concerns take a back seat to the safety of Sudburians.

It's Russian roulette every time they come out of their driveways, he said.

I don't think you can put a price on somebody's human life. And it's going to get there."

Roads director David Shelstead said trucking away snow banks from more city streets could cost as much as $4 million.

"One dollar invested in snow removal lasts until March, he said. One dollar invested in asphalt lasts for 20 years."

Shelstead said the current budget for removing snow banks which is mostly done in the downtown core is $650,000 a year.