MONTREAL – Montreal’s winter maintenance operations are facing a severe equipment crisis, with Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada revealing that nearly 25% of the city’s snow removal machinery is currently out of service. According to data released by TVA News, more than 300 of the city’s 1,285 specialized vehicles and tools are in “extremely poor condition,” significantly hindering the ability of municipal crews to clear roads and sidewalks effectively.
The Mayor emphasized that the administration must first fully understand the depth of these technical failures before services can be restored to optimal levels. She assured residents that the city is working to resolve these deficiencies by the next winter season. In the meantime, Mayor Martinez Ferrada urged citizens to remain patient, noting that the logistical challenges of managing snow removal in a major metropolis are immense, especially when operating with a compromised fleet.
The equipment crisis has also sparked a political controversy regarding the city’s spending priorities. Critics have pointed out that the current Ensemble Montréal administration reduced the budget for snow removal machinery to $18 million, a sharp decline from the $45 million allocated by the previous government. This significant cut has raised questions about the city’s preparedness for harsh winter weather and the long-term sustainability of its infrastructure.
In defense of the budget changes, Mayor Martinez Ferrada explained that the city had to make difficult choices to prioritize urgent social issues. She stated that funds were reallocated to support essential services, such as assistance for the homeless population, which the administration deems a high priority. Despite the current strain on resources, the Mayor maintained that balancing humanitarian needs with infrastructure maintenance is a necessary part of the city’s current fiscal strategy.
