"Winter Costs, E-Bikes, Construction Debated" - Infrastructure and Environment Committee - May 6, 2026

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee dealt with rising winter maintenance costs, proposed comments on new provincial e-bike rules, and reviewed how city construction projects are affecting residents. Members also considered a forensic audit of the city’s 2021 winter maintenance procurement and discussed communication problems around odour issues at the Ashbridges Bay wastewater treatment plant.

Topics Discussed

WINTER MAINTENANCE AND SNOW REMOVAL: The committee heard that winter maintenance costs are increasing, with staff saying 2027 costs are expected to remain “under 200 million” but rise because of trucking and snow removal pressures. Deputy Mayor Amber Morley said extreme weather is becoming more common: “We know that major weather continues to be our reality as our planet warms and extreme events continue to be not just every hundred years but much more frequent than that.” Members also discussed service problems around cul-de-sacs, joined driveways and bus stops. One member asked staff, “Can you tell me how the coordination of bus stops and the surrounding sidewalks were coordinated to ensure that both sidewalks and bus stops remained clear.”

E-BIKE AND MICROMOBILITY REGULATIONS: The committee approved comments on proposed provincial e-bike regulations ahead of the provincial deadline. Councillor Dianne Saxe said, “The provincial government has proposed regulations on ebikes. The comment period closes before our next meeting and so staff need direction for comments.” Discussion focused on the proposed 120 kg weight limit for Class 2 vehicles and how that fits with Ontario’s cargo bike pilot. Staff said, “We have some concerns around the 120 kg weight limit around class 2 vehicles. The 120 kg is currently the weight limit for ebikes in Ontario, but Ontario also has an e-cargo bike pilot that Toronto has already opted into.” Members also noted the proposal includes a 12-month education period before enforcement.

CONSTRUCTION COORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION: Committee members pressed staff on how to reduce the impact of overlapping infrastructure work on residents and businesses. Councillor Saxe said she had heard from “a constituent who wrote me to say that she just received the third construction notice for the third consecutive summer on her little street and that she broke down and cried.” Staff said improvements are needed in project delivery, including “being more responsive in the field when a problem occurs” and solving issues immediately instead of letting them move slowly through internal processes. The committee adopted a motion calling for better construction signage and communication.

WINTER MAINTENANCE PROCUREMENT AUDIT: The committee reviewed a forensic audit into the city’s 2021 winter maintenance procurement. Councillor Paula Fletcher cautioned members not to overload staff while demanding improvements, saying, “Let them catch up. Let them do their work professionally. Yes, scrutinize them, bring in the complaints, but don't keep adding more responsibilities to them when you want to watch your budget.” Councillor Josh Matlow questioned whether subcontractors had the right equipment and expertise, asking, “Are these companies equipped for that?” Staff said future procurement will include stronger oversight and clearer accountability.

BLUE BOX TRANSITION AND LITTER CONCERNS: The committee also discussed the 2026 Blue Box transition and concerns about litter and public accountability. Resident Sheila White said, “I believe in recycling rules, packing the blue bin exactly right to avoid spillage, litter, and load contamination, but I see breaches everywhere. People needed education.” She also urged the city to focus more directly on litter reduction, saying, “Ultimately, I'm here to urge a greater focus on a goal of curtailing litter and littering.”

ASHBRIDGES BAY ODOUR ISSUES: Members discussed communication failures related to mechanical problems at the Ashbridges Bay wastewater treatment plant. The local councillor said residents and the ward office were not informed quickly enough when problems occurred and pushed for clearer notification protocols. The committee referred the item for improved communication measures before it goes to council.

Motions

• IE 29.1: Winter Maintenance Contracts — Passed
• IE 29.2: Winter Maintenance Procurement Audit — Passed
• IE 29.6: Foundation Drainage Policy and Storm Sewer Quality Limits — Passed
• IE 29.9: Odour Issues at Ashbridges Bay — Referred for improved communication protocols
• Motion for Adaptive Construction Signage — Passed
• Motion for Priority 311 Snow Requests for Persons with Disabilities — Passed
• Motion for Building Permit Retroactivity — Passed
• Motion on E-Bike Regulation Comments — Passed

Attendees

• Paula Fletcher
• Amber Morley
• Dianne Saxe
• James Pasternak
• Lily Cheng
• Jon Burnside
• Parthi Kandavel
• Stephen Holyday