From My Bottom Step

Salt or TUMS?

Here’s something that I’m going to have to research some more, particularly since I recently heard City staff tell ETC that sidewalk snow removal could only be improved by using salt.

Apparently, over in Frankfurt Germany, they’re using antacid to clear snow and ice from their airport’s runways. And “the antacid is biodegradable and doesn’t contaminate the groundwater.” Continue Reading

Pedestrians, Brace Yourselves!

Here’s a press release that City Hall released on Tuesday. Note the reference to the reduced use of salt, which is a good thing. However, one has to view that reference with a critical eye, given the way that staff recently purported that improved sidewalk snow clearing could only be achieved by using salt: Continue Reading

Another Winter of Pedestrian Discontent?

Continued under-funding of sidewalk snow removal. #LDN

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

Is it easier to be hypocritical the more blatant you are about it? #LDN

Pedestrians Get Some Brief Attention by City Council

A transcript of the ETC portion of the last City Council meeting in which pedestrian-related issues uncharacteristically had the spotlight.

Water Meter Replacement Program

Don’t get in hot water over your meter replacement.

The Prohibitive Cost of Maintaining Too Many Roads

It’s too expensive to maintain our roads from property taxes, and the transfer payments from the province and the feds are also insufficient. The only rational answer is to severely curtail private auto use and urban sprawl.

Snow-clearing Hypocrisy

I’ve finally found the time to address our local newspaper’s article about London’s blown 2008 snow-clearing budget (”City must dig $2.5 million deeper”; Patrick Maloney; London Free Press; 2009/01/11).

Fascinating reading for this community activist who routinely monitors bi-weekly meetings of the city’s Environment and Transportation Committee and listens to what city staff has to say. Particularly with respect to any discussion about clearing snow from sidewalks. Continue Reading

A Rare Victory for London Pedestrians

Earlier this evening, In a nailbiter, London City Council responded to the snowclearing request by White Oaks mums by approving it as a pilot project this winter.

The odds were all against it.

First it had to get leave to be discussed. And then it had to survive an attempt to get it deferred for consideration several months down the road. And then it had to survive a final vote…. Continue Reading

Sidewalk Winter Maintenance

During a discussion of minimum standards at today’s ETC meeting, John Parsons (Div Mgr – Transportation and Roadside Mtce.) stated that “consideration is being given to address sidewalk yearly inspections and trip hazards.” Well, halle-damn-lujah! How long have I been pointing out the hypocrisy in the city’s maintenance of sidewalks?

Trouble is, Mr. Parsons then added: “Sidewalk Winter Maintenance Standards are not being considered at this time.” Continue Reading