Snowblower Requirement Reform: A Policy That Must Be Revised to Protect Small Businesses and Ensure Service Quality
Snow removal contractors are part of the winter fabric of daily life in the Town of Mount Royal. The reform proposed by the Town, though guided by good intentions, risks weakening those who provide this essential service to our residents.
By-law 1432 on snow removal now seeks to impose a much higher fee on contractors using vehicles without a snowblower: $1,000 per vehicle, compared to $100 for a vehicle equipped with a snowblower.
The goal is to modernize practices, but the implementation of this measure, rushed and without transition, could have significant economic consequences for local small businesses.
A Well-Intentioned Measure, but Poorly Applied
Initially, the Town sought to address certain problematic practices, such as snow being left on public streets after clearing operations.
However, the proposed fee difference – a tenfold increase – represents an unsustainable financial burdenfor many small, family-run businesses.
Furthermore, the increase in fines from $300 to $500 adds even more pressure, without offering any transition plan or adaptation support.
Impact by Business Size
- Small contractors (1-2 vehicles)
The most affected. The cost of purchasing a mechanical snowblower – between $25,000 and $40,000 – is out of reach for many, threatening the survival of numerous local businesses.
The result: less competition and potentially higher prices for residents. - Medium-sized contractors (3-6 vehicles)
They may be able to transition gradually, but only at the cost of higher fees and greater financial pressure. - Large contractors (7 vehicles or more)
Better equipped, they will absorb the reform more easily, but at the expense of diversity and local economic vitality.
Modernize, Yes — Penalize, No
No one disputes the need for cleaner, more efficient snow removal.
However, the current reform is disproportionate: it creates two classes of contractors and puts the smallest, yet most essential, operators at risk.
A successful transition must be done with contractors, not against them.
My Commitments, Once Elected Mayor
- Implement a realistic 2-3 year transition period to allow for a gradual adaptation to the 80% snowblower requirement.
- Establish a joint consultation committee bringing together the Town, contractors, and residents to assess the impacts and adjust the regulation as needed.
- Adopt a progressive fee structure based on company size and type of service provided.
- Evaluate the economic and environmental effects annually and publish the results to ensure full transparency.
In Conclusion
Modernize, yes. Weaken, no.
I am committed to improving snow removal services while protecting our local businesses.
Common sense, transparency, and collaboration must guide this reform to ensure efficient, fair, and sustainable snow removal.
Maryam Kamali Nezhad, Eng., Ph.D.
Candidate for Mayor of the Town of Mount Royal
www.avenircitejardin.com