Significant Rise in Complaints
This winter, the City of Quebec has experienced a substantial surge in complaints regarding snow removal, with a total of 946 complaints received for street snow removal during the 2025-2026 season. This marks a stark increase of 51% compared to the 627 complaints logged last year. The previous winter, 2023-2024, saw 978 complaints, indicating a concerning trend in public dissatisfaction with snow removal services.
Sidewalk and Bike Lane Concerns
In addition to street snow removal, complaints regarding sidewalk snow removal have also risen significantly this year, with 478 complaints reported, up from 325 last year. The 2023-2024 season had 543 complaints for sidewalks, suggesting persistent issues in this area as well. Meanwhile, bike lane snow removal has seen fluctuating complaints, with 56 in 2024, 67 in 2025, and a drop to 49 in 2026.
Weather Conditions Contributing to Complaints
The increase in complaints is attributed to numerous episodes of snow this winter, with the City recording 62 days of snow precipitation, which is 10 more days than last year and 20 more days than the year before. This unusual weather pattern has placed additional strain on snow removal services, leading to heightened public frustration.
City Administration’s Response
In response to the rising complaints, Mayor Bruno Marchand has emphasized the administration’s commitment to being proactive in addressing these challenges. He stated, “On va être très proactifs et très prêts” (We will be very proactive and very ready), indicating that the city is preparing for severe weather scenarios to improve snow removal efficiency.
Public Sentiment and Official Statements
François Moisan, a city official, highlighted the significance of the number of precipitation days this winter, saying, “Le chiffre qui est significatif pour nous cet hiver, c’est le nombre de jours de précipitations” (The figure that is significant for us this winter is the number of days of precipitation). This statement reflects the city’s acknowledgment of the impact of weather on their operations.
Looking Ahead
As the winter progresses, the City of Quebec faces the challenge of managing public expectations while ensuring effective snow removal. With the current trend of increasing complaints, it remains to be seen how the administration will adapt its strategies to meet the demands of residents. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any specific measures that will be implemented in the coming weeks.
The rise in snow removal complaints in Quebec highlights the ongoing challenges faced by city officials in maintaining public satisfaction during harsh winter conditions. As the administration prepares for potential severe weather, residents will be watching closely to see if improvements can be made in the city’s snow removal efforts.
