Wait what?

I live on a street that has no sidewalks, and I pay a Sidewalk clearing tax, so I read this press release, and it turns out that people who have sidewalks, in some places, are responsible for clearing them, or they are fined.....totes confused.....What do my sidewalk clearing taxes pay for?



The return of cold weather means snow shovelling season is upon us. At this time, HRM asks for cooperation from property owners in the former City of Halifax to make the winter season less challenging for individuals who depend upon clear sidewalks for safe transit.



In the former City of Halifax, the Municipality is responsible for sidewalk clearing service to District 10 Clayton Park West, District 15 Fairview-Clayton Park, and District 16 Rockingham-Wentworth. HRM will also clear all sidewalks on major arterial highways and bus stops.


In areas where the Municipality does not provide sidewalk snow and ice clearing - primarily Peninsular Halifax, Armdale, Purcell=s Cove and Spryfield - HRM By-Law S-300 requires property owners to clear any sidewalks abutting their property within 12 hours after the end of any snow fall, or 6 hours after daylight if the snow has stopped falling during the night. To enable safe pedestrian transit, sidewalks must be cleared to the bare pavement for a minimum width of 3 feet.



Property owners in violation of Part One of By-Law S-300 will receive a notice advising their sidewalk must be cleared within 24 hours. Failure to comply with the notice will result in the HRM removing the snow and ice at the owner’s expense and may result in the property owner receiving a summary offence ticket.



Call the HRM Corporate Call Centre at 490-4000 to register a complaint regarding a violation of By-Law S-300 or to find out who is responsible for clearing sidewalks in your area.