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HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-19-009 - Winter Sidewalk Maintenance ReviewREPORT TO:Community and Infrastructure ServicesCommittee DATE OF MEETING:May 13, 2019 SUBMITTED BY:Niall Lobley,Director,Operations -Parks and Cemeteries, 519-741-2600 ext. 4518 PREPARED BY:Faranak Hosseini, TransportationPlanning Project Manager, 519-741-2200 ext. 7665 WARD (S) INVOLVED:All Wards DATE OF REPORT:May 2, 2019 REPORT NO.:INS-19-009 SUBJECT:Winter Sidewalk MaintenanceReview ___________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATIONS: That staff be directed to conduct a review of the required level of service stated inBy-law chapter 687 (Snow and Ice) as outlined in program component 1 of Report INS-19-009, throughout summer 2019 and report backinfall2019 with results and recommendations; That staff be directed to conduct a pilot to evaluate the initial clearing for 8cmsnow events program as outlined in program component 2 of Report INS-19-009 throughout winter 2019/2020 and report back by May 2020 with results and recommendations; That staff be directed to develop priority route options as outlined in program component 3 of Report INS-19-009 and report back by May 2020 with results and recommendations; That staff be directed to extendthe proactive inspectionpilot asoutlined in program component 4of Report INS-19-009throughoutwinter 2019/2020 and report back by May 2020 with results and recommendations; That staff be directed to extend the assisted servicesfor sidewalkand windrowclearing pilotasoutlined in program component 5of Report INS-19-009throughout winter 2019/2020 and report back by May 2020 with results and recommendations; That staff be directed to monitor and further evaluate the neighbourhood shared snow blower pilot asoutlined in program component 6of Report INS-19-009 throughout winter 2019/2020 and report back by May 2020with results and recommendations; and, That staff be directed to conduct a representative valid survey asoutlined in program component 7of Report INS-19-009 and report back by May 2020with results and recommendations. *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Background Recognizing the importance of providing year-round safe andaccessiblesidewalk conditions to support active transportation and environmental objectives, the Council requested staff to prepare a report outlining alternative winter sidewalk maintenance options.In early 2018,staff initiated the Winter Sidewalk Maintenance Review and through this review,winter sidewalk maintenance programoptions weredevelopedand presented to Council in June 2018. The programs approved by Council namely: Proactive Inspection, Assisted Services for Sidewalk and Windrow Clearing, and Neighbourhood Shared Snow Blowerwere implemented and evaluated in the 2018/2019 winter season. This report presents the results of the program evaluation,and recommends seven program components to be carried forward. PilotsEvaluation Results Staff evaluated the effects of the proactive inspection on sidewalk conditions through quantitative and qualitative data analysis. On the basis of the past winter pilot, the proactive approach to by- law enforcement, which includes the high profile communications strategy supporting this, appears to have worked. In the 2018/2019 winter season, fewer notices and clearings were required compared to what was expected based on the past five year trend.This improvement can be attributed to the proactive inspectionpilotand the raised awareness aroundthis program. Staff evaluated the effectsof the assisted services for sidewalk and windrow clearing through targeted surveys. The evaluation indicates that the program was stronglysupported by those that received the service. It was run successfully via the Working Centre and was fully subscribed. Staff evaluated the effectsofprovidingcommunitysnow blower grants on sidewalk conditions through targeted inspections and surveys.The evaluation results showedcommunity benefits in most instances where grants were awarded. The inspections showed that the snow blowers were not effective in reaching the bare pavement requirement especially during ice events. The program was supported by those that received the service. However, despite being limited in scope, staff were unable to encourage communities to apply for the program which resulted in awarding eight grants out of the 10grants. Public Engagement Results During this winter season through media, social media and the Engage platform, the City became awareof the following: There isastrong desire,based on the comments received,for the City to undertake maintenance ofsidewalks. Residentshave expressedconcernson relying on an enforcement approach against a standard that is perceived as unrealistic to be achieved by residents. Residentshave requested more communications andsimplermeans to reportuncleared sidewalks. While useful as an indicator of public opinion, these platforms do not provide a statistically representative sample of the Community. pg. 2 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 2 Recommendations By taking into account the results of the pilot evaluation, stakeholder interviews, and public engagements, sevenrecommendations have been identified to further inform discussions about the winter sidewalk maintenance program for the 2020/2021 winter season and beyond. Component 1: Review the Required Level of Service Stated inBy-lawChapter 687. Component 2: Evaluate the Initial Clearing for 8cm Snow EventsPilot. Component 3: Develop Priority Route Options. Component 4:Extendthe Proactive InspectionPilot. Component 5:ExtendtheAssisted Services for Sidewalkand Windrow Clearing Pilot. Component 6: Continue to Monitor the Neighbourhood Shared Snow Blower Program. Component 7:Conduct a Statistically RepresentativeSurvey. BACKGROUND: The City of Kitchener is moving towards a more balanced and holistic transportation network that accommodatesallroadusers regardless of age, ability or mode of transportation.Over the past decade, the City of Kitchener has developed and approved a number of guidelines and policies (summarized in Appendix A)to shift the automobile dependent transportation network to a multi-modal network where walking and cycling are viableand safemodes of urban travel.One of the key components towards this shift is maintaining passable and safe sidewalk infrastructure year round. -modal transportation network and resident feedback during ongoin practices was approved and initiated in 2015.The results of this review werepresented to Council in 2016 (Report INS 16-087) which recommended that existing winter sidewalkmaintenance practices be maintained until the changes to the provincial minimum maintenance standards were adopted. The revisions to the minimum maintenance standards were released late winter 2018 and adopted by the province, triggering the City to conduct reviewof winter maintenance practices, in particular winter sidewalk maintenance.The results of this review werepresented to Council in June 2018 (Report INS 18-023) and recommended pilot programs to be implemented and evaluated in the 2018/2019 winter season. Council approved the implementationof three pilotsand deferred consideration of threepilots to May 2019.This report presents the analysis and results of the approved pilot programs evaluation, and provides recommendations to improve and further analyze REPORT This report reviews past efforts regarding improvements to practices, presents the analysis and results of the pilot programs evaluation, and provides recommendations and options for the 2019/2020 winter seasonand beyond. 2016 Staff Report INS 16-087 In 2016,staff submitted report number INS 16-087to the Community and Infrastructure Services Committee. This report provided evaluation of the impact of city-wide sidewalk snow clearing pg. 3 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 3 practices and reviewed the maintenance practices used in other municipalities.The review of municipalities that haveimplemented city-wide sidewalk snow clearing identifiedthe following: Service levels variedamongst municipalities; Sidewalkswere typically maintainedto snow packed conditions,and clearingwas initiated atspecific snow depth triggersranging from 2.5cmto 8 cm; Resident complaints increased following the implementation of city-wide programs; and, It is critical that expectations are managed regardingthe level of service that should be reasonably expectedwhere municipalities take on the responsibility of sidewalk clearing. In report INS 16-087 Council approvedthat existing winter sidewalk maintenance practices be maintained until the changes totheProvincial Minimum Maintenance Standardswere adopted and impacts of these changes could beconsidered. 2018 Staff Report INS 18-023 In 2018, staff submitted report number INS 18-023 to the Community and Infrastructure Services Committee. This report recommendedthe following programcomponentsto be piloted and evaluated during the 2018/2019 winterseason. 1.Proactive Inspection:This componentrecommended thatproactive enforcement officerswould be responsible for monitoring and inspecting various clusters of properties after each snow and/or ice occurrence. The cost of this program was estimated at $170,000 for fourofficersper winter season. 2.Initial Clearing for 8cm Snow Events:This componentrecommended that through contracted services the City would providesidewalk clearing for all sidewalks after snow events of 8cm or more within a targeted 24 hour period. The total cost of this pilot program was estimated at $67,500 for 40 km of sidewalkper winter season. 3.Full Winter Maintenance Service of all Sidewalks:This componentrecommended that with in house resources, the City would provide winter sidewalk maintenance clearing for all sidewalks, forall snow and ice occurrences, withina24 hourtarget. The cost of this pilotprogram was estimated at $179,000 for 40 km of sidewalkper winter season. 4.Pavement Weather Sensors:This componentrecommended that sensor solutionsbe designed to measure pavement surface conditions to improve data collection, evaluation and prioritization. The cost of this pilot program was estimated at $82,000 for twosensors including supply, installation, data management,andtwoyear annual maintenance. 5.Partnership Grant:This componentrecommended sidewalk and windrow clearing for eligible residents including those unable to afford private snow clearing services and living with a disability and/or over 65 years of age.The cost of this program was estimated at $25,000 per year. The above mentioned pilot programs were presented to Council in June 2018. Pilot programs 1 and 5 were approved by Council tobe implemented and evaluated during the 2018/2019 winter season. In addition to pilot programs 1 and 5, Council introduced and approved the program. A $500grant toward a purchase of a shared pg. 4 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 4 snow blower was provided. Up to10snow blower applications wereapproved that could be awarded to eligible groups of neighbours with at-least four membersin a neighbourhood. WinterSidewalkMaintenance Practices The City of KitchenerParks and Cemeteries Divisionmaintains sidewalks throughout the winter seasonfor all City owned properties and back-lotted properties.These sidewalks cover 216 km out of 1,202 kmof total sidewalks(17.6%) available across the city.These sidewalksare usually plowedwithin24 hours after cessation of snowto meet the existing by-lawrequirements. In an average winter, the City uses approximately 1,134 tonnes of salt(5.25 tonnes per km)to treat these sidewalks. The current annual expenditure for this practiceis $1,199,000 per year($5,550 perkm per year)on average(2016-2018). Sidewalks in the downtown areas arealsomaintained by the City and funded through special by-law taxation to downtown properties.There is approximately12 kmof sidewalks in the downtown area which are consistentlymaintained to bare concrete through multiple visitsduring a 24 hour period. In an average winter, the City uses approximately 177tonnes of salt (14.75 tonnes per km) to treat downtownsidewalks and the current annual expenditure for this practice is$220,085per year($18,340perkmper year)on average (2016-2018). All other sidewalks within the city are maintained throughout the winter by property owners as set -law Chapter 687 (Snowand Ice). Chapter 687 requires property owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalk(s) adjacent to their property within 24 hours after cessation of snow. In addition the City also promotesthe snow angels program.In this program, the City of Kitchener administers an awareness campaign and recognition opportunity for Snow Angels. Snow Angels are residents who self-organize to shovel snow for neighbours in need of assistance. 2018/2019 WinterSeason Pilot Programs During the2018/2019winterseasonthe following additional programs were implemented as part of the approved pilots. Proactive InspectionPilot:Introducedand pilotedinthe 2018/2019 winter season, by- law officers proactively inspectedsidewalks citywide. If a sidewalk wasnot cleared of snow and ice, a by-law officer would leave a one-time notice at the property and return within 24 hours. If the sidewalk was still not adequately cleared, the city would clear it and invoice the property owner. The invoice amount dependedon the lengthof the sidewalk and the duration it tookthe contractor to remove ice and snow. Assisted Sidewalk and Windrow Clearing ServicesPilot(approved as the :Introduced and piloted in the 2018/2019 winter season,the City of Kitchener collaborated with the Working Centre for sidewalk and windrow snow clearing for residents living with a disability and/or over 65 years of age andunable to afford private snow clearing services. The pilot program waslimited to 50 properties. pg. 5 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 5 Neighbourhood Shared Snow Blower Pilot:Introduced and piloted in the 2018/2019 winter season, the City of Kitchener provided $500 grant funding for groups of residents with four membersor moreliving in the same neighbourhood. The $500 grant wasto purchase a shared snow blower. This pilot program was limited to 10 grant applications for the season. Winter 2018/2019 Weather Conditions Review Summary:Sinceweather conditions area major contributing factor to the pilot evaluation, this section compares the weather conditions of the 2018/2019 winter season with the average of the past five winter seasons. The analysis shows that thenumber of snow eventsand the average temperatureof the 2018/2019 winter seasonweresimilar to thepastfive year trend. Key differences were thata deep freeze to thaw cyclewas experienced.Thisled to extensive icebuild up, a greater amount of freezing precipitation, and an overall decrease in the number of days where deep snow lay on the ground. Figure1compares the average temperature of each day of this winter season to the average temperature of each day of the past five winter seasons. Thisshows that on average the 2018/2019winter season experienced similar average temperatures to that of the past five years. Howeversignificant local temperature fluctuations haveoccurred especially in late January and early February,which can beattributedtothe 2018/2019 winter seasonfrequent thaw and freeze events, the freezing rain events,andice build up. Based on the projections inthe changing climate of the Waterloo Region study (AppendixB), this trend is expected to continue and worsen,with estimates up to 40% more freezing rain events by 2050. Figure 2compares both the number of snow events and the number of days with snow on the ground of the 2018/2019 winter season, to the average of the past five winter seasons. This figure shows that the 2018/2019 winter season experienced a similar number of snow events compared to the average number of snow events of the past five winter seasons. The figure also shows that this winter experienced similar number of days with more than 2 cm of snow on the ground, but less days with more than 8 cm of snow on the ground. This difference can be another indicator of the thaw and freeze events of the 2018/2019 winter season. pg. 6 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 6 Mean Temp (°C) Winter 2014-2018Mean Temp (°C) Winter 2018/2019 12.00 10.00 8.00 6.00 4.00 2.00 0.00 -2.00 -4.00 -6.00 -8.00 -10.00 -12.00 -14.00 -16.00 -18.00 -20.00 -22.00 Figure 1: Weather Conditions EvaluationAverage Temperature Average of Winters 2014-2018Winter 2018/2019 74 6969 54 DAYS 13 12 44 SNOW >2 CMSNOW >8 CMSNOW ON GROUND >2 CMSNOW ON GROUND >8 CM Figure 2:Weather Conditions Evaluation Snow Events Proactive InspectionPilot Evaluation Summary:The main purpose of this pilot program was to evaluate the effect of proactive by-law enforcement on sidewalk conditions during winter. On the basis of the past winter pilot, the proactive approach to by-law enforcement, which includes the high profile communications strategy supporting this, appears to have worked. In the 2018/2019 winter season, fewernotices andclearings were required compared towhat was expected based on the pastfive year trend. Four proactive officers were temporarily hired to each inspect a specific areawithin the City.For the purpose of the pilot, 40cluster areas (four in each ward) were selected with each area containing 50properties. These cluster areas were selected based on thefollowingcriteria:even distributionthrough each ward, continuous sidewalks for efficientinspection,and proximity to schools,parks,and key connections.After circulating each of the cluster areas once, the officer would circulate through each area for a second time later in the season to track changes in sidewalk conditions.Where possible the officers would identify residents who required assistance pg. 7 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 7 and provided contact information for supportincluding the assisted services program.The pilot was in place for a duration of five months from November 15, 2019 to April 15, 2019.The pilot program cost atotal of $170,000 for the season. During the inspection process, the officer would visually inspectsidewalks, and in cases where sidewalkswerenot adequately cleared to the by-law maintenance standard, the officer would issue a one-time notice. The officer would then return after 24 hoursand if the sidewalk was still not adequately cleared, itwould be sent for clearing. At the time of arrival for clearing,if the sidewalk had still not been cleared, the sidewalk would be cleared and the property owner would be invoiced.These events were logged by the officers for pilot evaluationpurposes. As shown in Table 1, as a result of the proactive inspectionpilot, 2,350 properties were inspected and atotal of 480 notices were issued. Out of 480 notices, only three addresses were sent for clearing,which is 0.6% of the notices issued and 0.1% of thetotal properties inspected. The data also showed that less than 1% of the properties that received notices during the first round of inspections, were not in compliance withthe by-law in the second round of inspections. Table 1Proactive InspectionResults Number of InspectionsNumber of NoticesNumber of Sent for Clearing 2,3504803 To further evaluate the impacts of the proactive inspectionon sidewalk conditions during the 2018/2019 winter season, the complaint-triggered (reactive enforcement)inspections data was analyzed. Figure 3compares the number of complaint-triggered inspections of the 2018/2019 winter season to the average of the past five winter seasons for both the city maintained sidewalksand non-city maintained sidewalks. The comparison shows a 72% increase in the number of complaint- triggered inspections on non-city maintained sidewalks. However this increase can be attributed to the raised awareness and icy weather conditions since the city maintained sidewalks also saw a 59% (102 to 162) increase in the number of complaint driven inspections. This increase happened while the maintenance practices on the city maintained sidewalks remained unchanged from the previous years. pg. 8 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 8 Average (2014-2018)Winter 2018/2019 3500 2879 3000 2500 2000 1672 1500 1000 500 162 102 0 City Maintained SidewalksOther Sidewalks Figure 3: Inspections completed in the 2018/2019 Winter Season vs the Average of the Past Five (5) Years The complaint-triggered (reactive enforcement)notices and addresses sent for clearing data was also analyzed to evaluate the effectof the proactive inspectionon sidewalk conditions during the 2018/2019 winter season. Staff developed amodelto predict the number of notices issued and addresses sent for clearing for the 2018/2019 winter season. This prediction is based on the previous 5 year trend, and assumes no change to by-lawenforcement (i.e. no proactive enforcement).Figure 4compares the number of actual noticesissuedand addresses sent for clearinginthe 2018/2019 winter season,to the predictednumber of notices andclearingsbased on the past five year trend. Based on this model 1,794notices and 231clearingswerepredictedforthe 2018/2019winter season. Howeverthe actual number of notices issued in the 2018/2019winter seasonwas1,130 and 156 properties were sent for clearing. This comparisonshows a 37% reduction in the number of notices and a 32% reduction in the number of clearings.This can be attributed to the proactive inspectionpilot and the raised awareness around this programdue to extensive communication. 2018/2019 Actual2018/2019 Predicted 156 Addresses Sent for Clearing 231 1130 Notices Issued 1794 0200400600800100012001400160018002000 Figure 4: Notices Issued and Sent for Clearing in the 2018/2019 Winter Season vs the Average of the Past Five (5) Years pg. 9 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 9 Key lessons learnt from this pilot program are as follows: The effectivenessof this program is closely correlated with the expected/required level of servicestated in the by-law. Since the bare pavement requirement was difficult to achieve, especially during ice events, it resulted incitizen complaints and dissatisfaction. Implementing this program in conjunction with a change in the expected/required level of service and/or setting exceptions on days where bare pavement is difficult to achieve wouldlikelymake the program less contentious. For the purpose of the pilot, the by-law officers needed to travel set routes on footto inspectsidewalks.Thispractice significantly constrainedthe number of inspected properties.The inspection practicein future should attemptto maximize thenumber of inspected properties and cover a greater number of properties in the City. From the pilot experience, officers using discretion to target worst offenders was identified as a way to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the program. Any potential change to the by-law could haveimpacts on the effectiveness of enforcement activities (for example, if a less strict level of service introduced room for greater interpretation of the standard). Assisted Services for Sidewalk and Windrow ClearingPilotEvaluation Summary: The implementation of an Assisted Services program was widely supported both by the community and those that received the service. It was run successfullyvia the Working Centre and was fully subscribed. The purpose of this pilot was toevaluateprovidingassisted sidewalk and windrow snow clearing services,free of charge,toresidentsliving with a disability and/or over 65 years of age, andunable to afford private snow clearing services.This pilotwascarried out in collaboration with the Working Centre and was fullyfunded by the City of Kitchener. The totalcost of the pilot was$26,700. A capacity of 50 properties wasconsidered for the purpose of thepilot.Out of the 50vacancies, 20 of them were keptreserved forthe householdswho received aninfraction noticethrough the -law program and were eligible.When the first 30 vacancies were full, staff still encouraged eligible applicants to register for the waiting list to help estimate the demand for this service. This resulted inidentifying another 50 eligible applicantsin addition to those already enrolled in the program. To evaluate the performance of this pilot, all the households who were enrolled in the program were requested to be interviewed and surveyed inlate March2019.The surveyinquired about their experience with the program andareas of potential improvement. The survey had a response rate of 80%. Figure 5shows that overall 90% of the respondents rated the program from good to excellent, 88% of the respondents rated theresponse time and quality of the work from good to excellent, and 83% of the respondents rated the application process from good to excellent. The survey questions are provided in AppendixC. pg. 10 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 10 Excellent Very Good Good Poor Program in General 40%17%33%10% Excellent Very Good Good Poor Quality of Work 32%16%42%10% Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor Response Time 30%23%33%3%10% Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor Application Process 50%11%22%11%6% Figure 5: User Survey Assisted Services Pilot Program Considering the close involvement of the Working Centre in this pilotthey were also interviewed to receive feedback. It was identified that the Working Centre is generally happy with continuing to collaborate with the City on this program. However, they can only support up to a maximum of 100 properties for the winter season of 2019/2020. It was also identified that the initial estimated costs were lower than the actual costsand may need to adjust the costsby approximately 20% for the next winter season. Lessons learnt from this pilot program are as follows: of income was requested fromthe applicants. This year an honor system approach was taken in enforcing the application criteria. If this pilot is extended this approach will no longer be taken and the income criteria will be evaluated using information already available that are being used on other programs within the City to determine income thresholds. Based on discussions with the Working Centre, the cost for the program is estimated to be higher than the pilot year.For a possible future adoption,other delivery mechanisms maybe exploredto reduce operational costs. Top feedback received from the program wasabout simplifying the application process for seniors,such as enabling paper applications and providing clear contact information. It was also understood from the survey that the City should more clearly communicate what the service includes (i.e. sidewalk and windrow only). Neighbourhood Shared Snow BlowerPilot Program Summary:The purpose of this pilot was to evaluate the effect of providing snow blower grants to communities on sidewalk conditions during winter. Despite being limited in scope, staff were unable to encourage communities to apply for the program. Where applications were made they pg. 11 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 11 were all successful and there appeared to be community benefit in most instances where grants were awarded. In this pilot program, the City offered a grant fund of $500towards the purchase of a shared snow blower.Groups of residents,with a minimum of four group members,living in the same neighbourhood were able toapply for this program. A cap of 10 grants was considered for the purpose of this pilot. Despite the wide scale communication around the pilot program, only eight eligible applications were received for the 2018/2019 winter season. The properties enrolled in this program were inspected twice(24 hours after cessation of snow to evaluate the effectiveness of this pilot) during the winter season. Seven out of eight groups appeared to have used the snow blower to clear their sidewalks. Five out of eight cases had provided good community benefit for the neighbourhood. However, the snow blowers were observed to not be able to clear the sidewalks up to the City of Kitchener By-law standard of bare concrete,and were not effective in eliminating icy conditions. each group enrolled in the program wasrequested tofill out a shortsurveyin late March 2019. The aim of the survey was to capturetheir experience with the program and areas of potential improvement.Figure 6shows that overall 100% of the respondents rated the program from good to excellent, 100% of the respondents rated the application process from good to excellent,and 88% of the respondents rated the cooperation with the neighbours from good to excellent. The most common feedback was that the amount of the grant was not enough to cover the capital and maintenance costsof the shared snow blower.The survey questions are provided in AppendixD. Excellent Very Good Good Program in General 50%38%12% Excellent Very Good Good Application Process 50%38%12% Excellent Very Good Good Poor Working with the 44%31%13%12% Neighbours Figure 6: User Survey Neighbourhood Shared Snow Blower Program SurveyResults In order to gain public feedback on the2018/2019winter sidewalk maintenance pilots, threeonline surveys were released on the Engage Kitchener website. The first survey was released in November 2018 in conjunction with the start of the proactive inspectionpilot program. This survey was available until early February 2019 to receive initial feedback. A second survey was released early February for one month to receive feedback on all three winter sidewalk maintenance pilot programs. A third survey was released early Aprilfor two weeksto gain feedback on the overall pg. 12 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 12 experience regarding the wi opinion on the main areas of focus,and potential improvements for the futurewinter seasons. During the first, second and third survey, a total of 87, 424, and 139responses were received respectively. Participating in the survey required email registration in order to reduce duplicate responses and help prevent bias in the results. The surveys conducted were not representative surveys of the entire population,thereforethe results may be skewed and/or biased toward certain typesof opinions.Below are the main highlights from thesurveys. 23% of respondents believed that the sidewalk conditions had improved as a result of the proactive inspectionprogram. 63% of the respondents believed that the sidewalk conditions remained unchanged as a result of this pilot. 14% of the respondents were unsure about the impact. 58% of the respondents believed that the proactive inspectionshould be continued with increased or the same amount of resources. 42% believed that the City should allocate less resources to this program or discontinue the program. 77% of respondents were supportive of the assistedservices for sidewalk and windrow clearing pilot. 17% of the respondents were indifferent and 6% were opposed to the program.62% of the respondents believed that more resources should be allocated to this program. 43% of respondents were supportive ofthe neighbourhood shared snow blower program, 31% of the respondents were indifferent and 27% were opposed to this program. 25% of the respondents believed that more resources should be allocated to this program. A total of 1,194 comments were received through the three surveys. A review of all the comments received demonstratesthe following: 63% of the respondents were in favor/requested that the City be responsible for clearing all sidewalks and/or increase its focus and resources in this regard. 31%of the respondents emphasized the need for proactive by-law officers to use more discretion,and/or that the bare pavement requirement isunrealistic and not always achievable. 17% of the respondents requested more communication regarding the pilot programs, specifically the assisted services and shared snow blower pilots. 17% of the respondents requested for simpler ways to report an unclear sidewalk. 12% of the respondents requested more enforcement focus be put on high pedestrian and high infraction areas. 11%of the respondents requested the enforcement to be increased and faster response times to complaints. pg. 13 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 13 Winter Sidewalk Maintenance Recommendations and Options As stated earlier in the report, in June 2018,Council approved the implementation of three pilots (i.e. proactive inspection, assisted services for sidewalkand windrow clearing, and neighbourhood shared snow blower) and deferred considerationof threepilots(i.e. initial clearing for 8cm of snow events, full winter maintenance ofall sidewalks, and pavement weather sensors)to May 2019. By taking into account the results of the pilot evaluation, stakeholder interviews, and public engagements, staff suggeststhe followingresponses to the 2018 recommended pilots: Proactive Inspection: Staff be directed to extend thispilot programthroughoutwinter 2019/2020 and report back byMay 2020with results and recommendations. Initial Clearing for 8cm Snow Events: Staff be directed to evaluate this pilot program throughout winter 2019/2020and report back by May 2020with results and recommendations. Full WinterMaintenance of all Sidewalks: Staff be directed to develop criteria and select locations of prioritysidewalks for consideration of an expanded winter sidewalk maintenance service level based on high priority sidewalks. Existing sidewalk datafrom city-maintained routes will be used to estimate order of magnitude costs to deliver this. Pavement Weather Sensors:Staff believe that pavement weather sensors should be reconsidered pending final recommendations in 2020. Assisted Services for Sidewalkand Windrow Clearing:Staff be directed to extend this pilot program throughout winter 2019/2020 and report back by May 2020 with results and recommendations. Neighbourhood Shared Snow Blower:Staff be directed to continue to monitor this pilot programand report back byMay 2020with results and recommendations. In addition, based on the pilot evaluation results, stakeholder interviews and the public engagements, staff recommends twonew program componentsas follows: Review the RequiredLevel of ServiceStated in the By-law: Staff be directed to review the bare pavementrequirement stated in the By-law. If approved, this work would be completed during summer and fall 2019. It is anticipated if revisions are required, they are implemented for the 2019/2020 winter season. Statistically RepresentativeSurvey: Staff be directed to conduct a statistically representativesurvey to quantify resident desires,expectations,and level/s of service for municipal involvement in winter sidewalk clearing. To becompleted throughwinter and spring 2020 and report back by May 2020 with results and recommendations. The recommendations above is summarized inTable 2. pg. 14 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 14 Table 2RecommendationsSummary Program ComponentJune 2018 Recommendation Council Decision Proactive InspectionApprovedExtend the pilot throughoutwinter 2019/2020 Initial Clearing for 8cm Snow EventsDeferred to Evaluate the pilot throughout winter May 20192019/2020 FullWinter Maintenance Service of Deferred to Pursue only as a data driven exercise all SidewalksMay 2019 Pavement Weather SensorsDeferred to Do not pursue at this time May 2019 Assisted Services for SidewalkandApprovedExtend the pilot throughout winter Windrow Clearing2019/2020 Neighbourhood Shared Snow ApprovedContinue to monitor the pilot throughout Blowerwinter 2019/2020 Review the RequiredLevel of NewConduct the review throughout summer Service Stated in the By-lawand fall 2019 Statistically RepresentativeSurveyNewConduct the survey throughout winter and spring 2020. According to the summary illustrated in the table above, sevenrecommendations have been identifiedto be evaluated/conducted throughout winter 2019/2020.These seven recommendations are listed below, and further described on the following pages in terms of objectives, scope, cost, resources and risks. Funding sources of the recommendation components are identified in the Financial Implications section of this report. Component 1: Review the Required Level of ServiceStated intheBy-law. Component 2: Evaluate the Initial Snow Clearing for 8cm Snow Events Pilot. Component 3: Develop Priority Route Options. Component 4: Extendthe Proactive Inspection Pilot. Component 5:ExtendtheAssisted Services for Sidewalkand Windrow Clearing Pilot. Component 6: Continue to Monitor the Neighbourhood Shared Snow Blower Program. Component 7:Conduct a Statistically RepresentativeSurvey. pg. 15 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 15 Program Component 1 Reviewthe Required Level of ServiceStated in By-lawChapter 687 (Snow and Ice) 1.1ObjectiveReview the expected level of service towards a change from bare pavement to a safe, passable and consistent level of service throughout the entire city. Engage and consult the general public and related advisory groups such as GRAAC, School Board, TriTAG, Age Friendly Kitchener and Mayors Advisory groups for Kitchener Seniors (MACKS). Evaluate the results and report back to Council in fall2019. 1.2ScopeThe scope of this recommendation is limited to a review and the result of this review will not be implemented and/or tested prior to Council decision in fall2019. 1.3Estimated N/A Cost 1.4ResourcesCity staff to supervise the project. City staff to administer and manage the project. City staff to prepare communication and engagement plans. 1.5RisksThe new definition of the expected level of service may be subject to interpretation and be more challenging to enforce. The new standard/by-law may open up the City to liability issues. With enforcing the new standard/by-law sidewalks could be less accessible in general which might be a concern to persons with disabilities. 1.6NotesIn this option, the city staff is only looking for an approval to initiate the review process. Staff willnot be making recommendationsonthe expected level of service prior to the review.Staff will report back on the recommendations during fall,2019. It is anticipated if revisions are required, they are implemented for the 2019/2020 winter season. pg. 16 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 16 Program Component 2 Initial Clearing for 8cm Snow Events 1.1ObjectivesIdentify the resource and cost implications of providing sidewalk clearing services for all sidewalks after snow occurrences of 8 cm or more, within 24-48 hours through a pilot program on approximately 40km of representative sidewalk. Develop process to remediate potential property damage as a result of city led winter sidewalk maintenance Collect data on the performance of the pilot Evaluate the results of the pilot and report back to council in May 2020. 1.2ScopeThe pilot program is intended to only be implemented on 40 km of representative sidewalk across the City. This pilot program is intended for snow occurrences of 8 cm or more. The pilot program is intended to be in place from November 2019 to April 2020. 1.3Estimated Order of magnitude estimate is $67,500 to contract out clearing of five Cost(5) 8cm snow events for approximately 40km of sidewalk. 1.4ResourcesThis work will be fully contracted out City staff to supervise the project City staff to administer and manage the project City staff to intake and resolve complaints 1.5RisksContractor performance may not be up to the City standards The result effectiveness will be dependent on weather conditions and the number of snow occurrences of 8cm or more therefore may not result in statistical valid results for the purpose of the pilot City led winter sidewalk maintenance may result in property damage As a result of this pilot, sidewalks may not be cleared up to bare pavement Selecting pilot areas may be controversial Supervision resources may not be existing May be challenging to find a suitable contractor for the pilot 1.7NotesThe selection criteria for the representative40 km sidewalk are as follows: It would include different types of sidewalks such as curb face sidewalks, sidewalks with narrow boulevards, sidewalks with wide boulevards, etc. It would include areas with high pedestrian activity such as school zones. Comparable programs that foster shared responsibilities at a specific snow depth threshold were not identified. pg. 17 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 17 Program Component 3 Develop Priority Route Options 1.1Objective Develop prioritysidewalk routes through a data driven approach Identify the selection criteria for the priority routes Produce an estimated cost associated with winter sidewalk maintenance on priority routes using information from sidewalks currently maintained by the City. Report back to council in May 2020with results and recommendations. 1.2ScopeThescope of this work is limited to a theoretical analysis using existing data and is not intended to be implemented as a pilot as part of the evaluation. 1.3Estimated N/A Cost 1.4Resources City staff to manage the project 1.5RisksConsidering that this analysis requires large scale data to produce reliable outputs, there is a risk that all the required data may not be readily available at the time of the analysis. 1.6NotesN/A pg. 18 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 18 Program Component 4Extend the ProactiveInspectionPilot 1.1ObjectivesProactive by-law enforcement of sidewalks through winter months Develop methods to maximize the number of inspected properties Refine based on lessons learned 1.2ScopeTo engage 4 part time, temporary staff between approximately November and April each year to proactively monitor for and enforce compliance with the City sidewalk by-law 1.3Estimated Approximately $140,000.(Note: costs are reduced from June 2018 Costrecommendation based on experience through winter 2018/19) 1.4ResourcesFunding for part time by-law officers (4 month temp position grade 7 step 4) City staff to supervise the project City staff to administer and manage the project City staff to intake and resolve complaints 1.5RisksPublic perception and complaints Any potential change to the by-law could have impacts on the effectiveness of enforcement activities (for example, if a less strict level of service introduced room for greater interpretation of the standard). By-law officers can only cover a small fraction of the city 1.6NotesIt is important to note that the effectiveness of this program is closely correlated with the recommended program component 1 Change the Required Level of Service in By-law. If approved by Council, based on the year 1 pilot experience, this program will be refined to maximize the number of inspected properties. From theyear 1pilot experience, officers using discretion to target worst offenders was identified as a way to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the program. The City of Waterloo practices a comparable program which includes two seasonal proactive enforcement by-law officers and shows that warning in proactive areas have been reduced significantly from 450 in year one to 200 in year two and to less than 100 in year three. The second warnings carry a fee of $80 in this program. pg. 19 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 19 Program Component 5 Extend the Assisted Services for Sidewalkand Windrow ClearingPilot 1.1Objective Sidewalk and windrowclearing services for eligible seniors 65+ and residents living with a disability 1.2ScopeService is available city wide Proof of eligibility would be required This would cover approximately 50 properties Explore options to reduce operational costs 1.3Estimated $25,000 per year Cost 1.4ResourcesContract management Administration and project management Complaint intake and resolution 1.5RisksContractor/Working Centreperformance may not be up to the City standards Clears only a small portion ofthe network at approximately $500 per house 1.6NotesBased on discussions with the Working Centre, the cost for the program is estimated to be higher than the pilot year which may result in a reduction in the program capacity. Staff mayexplorea full range of options for delivery of this service. This will include considering the existing model (through the Working Centre) and may exploreother potential options (such as a private contractor). Staff will look for potential added value services throughthese discussions (such as supporting fixed rate domestic clearing opportunities for residents in the program). income was a factor in the eligibility criteria, no proof was requested from the applicants;an honor systemapproach was taken in enforcing the application criteria. If this program component is approved by Council, this approach will no longer be taken and the income criteria will be evaluated using information already available that are being used on other programs within the City to determine the low income threshold. pg. 20 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 20 Program Component 6 Extend Monitoring of the Neighbourhood Shared Snow Blower Program 1.1Objective A pilot to evaluate the effectiveness and cost implications of providing $500 grants towards the purchase of a snow blower to be shared in a neighbourhood with a minimum of four (4) group members 1.2ScopeContinue to monitor for another year do not provide additional grants. 1.3Estimated N/A Cost 1.4ResourcesSupervision Administration and project management Complaint intake and resolution 1.5RisksN/A 1.6Notes N/A Program Component 7Statistically Representative Valid Survey 1.1ObjectiveConduct a statistically representative survey to gain a better understanding of the general opinion on winter sidewalk maintenance maintenance program. 1.2ScopeThe survey would be statistically representative of the entire population of the city. 1.3Estimated Approximately $45,000to be delivered by an independent third party. Cost 1.4Resources Supervision Administration and project management 1.5Risks Depending on the time at which the survey is conducted the results may be subject to recall/memory bias. 1.6Notes N/A Program Component Locations Through the 2019/2020winter season, the proposed winter sidewalk maintenance program will change the level of service within the evaluation areas of ProgramComponent2(initial snow clearing for 8cm snow events). As identified above, theevaluation area will include approximately 40km of sidewalk. Staff will use historic data as a primary input to determine the most appropriate locations for evaluation areas. This data includes locations of resident complaints, slip and fall pg. 21 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 21 incidents, by-law infractions, curb face sidewalk locations, and other challenges in the urban environment that require evaluation. Salt Management The City of Kitchener recognizes the importance of effective salt management andis committed to best practices andcontinuous improvementin salt management.This approach isreviewed annually and revised as necessary to achieve effective salt managementand allcity winter maintenance staff are trained in this regard. Winter maintenance of sidewalks presents some different challenges than winter maintenanceof roads due to: lack of drainage facilities, no vehicle traffic (which aids in snow melt), and salt spreading mechanisms are not as advanced as road equipment. Communication and Engagement Plan A comprehensive communications plan will be developed over the summer of 2019. The objectives of this plan will be to share information, increase awareness, manage expectations and collect feedback on the recommended winter sidewalk maintenance program and each of the program components. In addition to communicating information about the current winter maintenance program to the broader public, specific messaging will be developed for those residing in program evaluation areas. Staff will use both digital and traditional advertising tools to convey key information about the program, and use a targeted approach for evaluation areas to ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly communicated to property owners. Collecting public input will be a critical input for the evaluation of the 2019/2020winter sidewalk maintenance program. Engagement activities will work to manage public expectations and summarize the level of public support for the program components. The public will have the opportunity to base their responses on the performance and cost of the program as demonstrated through the 2019/2020winter season. Engagement activities will commence before the winter of 2019/2020and continue into spring 2020. Engagement activities will include online engagement surveys, targeted surveys, andcity wide statistically representativesurvey, which are further detailedinAppendix E. Project Schedule In early 2018, staff initiated the Winter Sidewalk MaintenanceReview project. The project had been planned in two stages. Stage 1 was the Program Development andEvaluationwhich was planned to begin in winter 2017/2018 and to be completed by end of spring 2019. Stage 2 was the Program Implementationwhich was planned to begin in spring 2019 and to be completed in summer/fall 2019.Based on the evaluation results, the project stages were modified and summarized inFigure 7.At the time of writing this report, Stage 1 of the project has been completed and Stage 2 has begun. pg. 22 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 22 Stage 1 Year 1 Program Development and Evaluation ‘źƓƷĻƩΉ{ƦƩźƓŭ ЋЉЊБ {ǒƒƒĻƩ ЋЉЊБ ‘źƓƷĻƩ ЋЉЊБΉЋЉЊВ PHASE 3 PHASE 1 PHASE 2 Year 1 Program Evaluation Year 1 Program Planning Year 1 Program Detailed and Public Engagement and ApprovalsDevelopment Stage 2 Year 2 Program Development and Evaluation {ǒƒƒĻƩΉCğƌƌ ЋЉЊВ ‘źƓƷĻƩ ЋЉЊВΉЋЉЋЉ {ƦƩźƓŭ ЋЉЊВ PHASE 2 PHASE 1 Year 2 PHASE 3 Year 2 Program Planning Program Detailed Year 2 and Approvals Developmentand Program Program Evaluation Evaluation Stage 3 Program Implementation {ƦƩźƓŭ ЋЉЋЉ {ǒƒƒĻƩΉCğƌƌ ЋЉЋЉ PHASE 1 PHASE 2 Program RecommendationProgram Implementation Figure 7Work Plan Flow Chart Next Steps & Implementation If approved by Council, Program Component 1 will be initiated in summer 2019 and the results and recommendations will be reported back to Council in fall2019. Detailed development of the rest of theapproved programs will take place Junethrough October 2019, in preparation for implementation in the winter of 2019/2020. This includes obtaining resources such as staff and equipment, selecting and coordinating routes, developing engagement and communication materials, administration, and developing an evaluation system. Each program will be evaluated for performance in achieving clear sidewalks, cost, time to complete, salt usage, resident and stakeholder satisfaction, and resident support. The outcome of this evaluation will be presented to Council in spring of 2020to support an informed decision about the winter sidewalk maintenance program for the 2020/2021winter season and beyond. The recommended long term winter sidewalk maintenance program will includeprogram(s)that achieve the best results, in the most cost effective and timely manner, and with the greatest amount of public support. pg. 23 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 23 ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: The recommendation of this report supports the the delivery of core service by: Improvingthe design and delivery of city services so that they provide what citizens want in the most reliable, convenient and cost-efficient way; Developing a network of safe, comfortable and linked pedestrian facilities; Strengtheningthe capability and capacity within the organization to manage all of the city's assets; Creating more opportunities for citizen dialogue on community issues and introducingnew ways for people to getinvolvedin decisions that affect them; Strengtheningcommunication on issues of interest to the public and proactively publishing related documents in an accessible format to give citizens the information they needto understan. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Table 3identifies total funding requirements for the 2019/2020winter season, including each of the program components and activities. Availablefunding sources are: Balance remaining from the initial pilot is approximately $55,000. This saving was realized through; o Later on boarding of by-law staff than anticipated o Reduced grant for snow blowers o Not needing to use contingency allowances from first pilot Total balance remaining in the winter control reserve is $300,000 Table 3Sidewalk Winter Maintenance Program Funding Requirements Program2019/2020 1. Change the Required Level of Service Stated in theBy-law- 2. Initial Clearing for 8cm Snow Events$67,500 3. Develop Priority Route Options- 4. Proactive Inspection$140,000 5.Assisted Services for Sidewalk and Windrow Clearing$25,000 6.Neighbourhood Shared Snow Blower - 7.Statistically RepresentativeSurvey$45,000 8. Communications and Engagement budget to support the above work$20,000 Total$297,500 pg. 24 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 24 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: CONSULT In 2018/2019staff met with advisory committees and advocacy groups including Mayor's Advisory Council for Kitchener Seniors, Kitchener Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee, Kitchener Youth Action Council, Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee, and Tri- CitiesTransportActionGroup. Through these sessions staff received valuablefeedback regarding winter sidewalk maintenance practices including pilot options, data collection, and evaluation. INFORM -e agenda in advance of the council / committee meeting. A copy of thisreport has been provided to the Mayor's Advisory Council for Kitchener Seniors, Kitchener Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee, Kitchener Youth Action Council, Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee, Tri-CitiesTransportActionGroup, and previous delegates where contact information is available. PREVIOUS CONSIDERATION OF THIS MATTER: In November 2016, reportnumber INS-16-087was submitted to City Council which identified the impact of city-wide sidewalk snow clearing practices, including order of magnitude costs. This report recommended that existing winter sidewalk maintenance practices be maintained until the changes to the provincial minimum maintenance standards were adopted. In June 2018, report number INS 18-023 was submitted to City Council which identified pilot programs to be implemented and evaluated in the 2018/2019 winter season. Two of the pilot programs including the proactive by-law inspection and theassisted services for sidewalk and windrow clearingwere approved by Council to be implemented and evaluated during the 2018/2019 winter season. In addition to these pilot programs,Council introduced and approved program to be implemented and evaluated during the 2018/2019 winter season. ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Denise McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services pg. 25 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 25 APPENDIX A Policies/GuidelinesApproval Comments Year Sidewalk Infill Policy2015Highlights the importance of a well-connected pedestrian environment by requiring continuous sidewalks on both sides of the City of Kitchener roads where possible Transportation 2013Focuses on creating a pedestrian friendly and less car Master Plandependent environment through enhancing other modes of travel such as walking and cycling and public transit Official Plan2011Defines a well-established transportation system as a system that moves pedestrian, cyclists, transit and vehicles safely and efficiently Transportation 2011Focuses on a travel mode shift from driving to walking, Demand cycling and public transit Management Plan Development 2010Requires newly constructed neighborhoods to Manualaccommodate sidewalks on both sides of the streets to promote a well-connected and safe pedestrian network throughout the City Pedestrian Charter2005Indicates the importance of a well-connected pedestrian friendly environment for a community with less car dependency, more public transit usage, less environmental impacts and better air quality. pg. 26 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 26 APPENDIX B See Attached. APPENDIX C 1.How did you hear about the neighbourhood shared snow blower program? Direct mail flyer website Word of mouth Media (The Record, Kitchener Post, CTV Kitchener, Kitchener Today, etc) Other 2.Please rate your experience with the neighbourhood-shared snow blower program. Please rate your experience with the ExcellentVery GoodFairPoor neighbourhood-shared snow blower program.good Sharing the snow blower with the neighbours Working with the neighbours to clear the sidewalks committed to in the application The application process The program in general 3.Would you support an extension of the program for future winter seasons? Yes No Other 4.Is there anything you would like to change/improve in this program? 5.Is there anything else you would like to add? pg. 27 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 27 APPENDIX D 1.How did you hear about the assisted services program this winter? Direct mail flyer Word of mouth Media (The Record, Kitchener Post, CTV Kitchener, Kitchener Today, etc) Other: 2.Please rate your experience with the assisted services program. (Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor) The application process The snow clearing response time (from the end of the snow event to sidewalk being cleared) The quality of work The program in general 3.Would you support an extension of the program for future winter seasons? Yes No Other: 4.Is there anything you would like to change / improve in this program? 5.Is there anything else you would like to add? pg. 28 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 28 APPENDIX EEngagement Plan 1.TargetedSurveys and Statistically RepresentativeSurvey Targeted SurveyFall 2019, Targeted surveys mailed to property owners residing in Winter control areas for program component 2. The intent is to 2019/20, understand expectations and perceptions. and Spring 2020 In person Summer/Fall engagement 2019provide input to by-law review and priority map process. sessions Statistically Valid 2019City wide statistically representativesurvey completed Surveyby a third party research and analytics provider. Questions in this survey will be informed by the data and findings from the 2018/2019 winter season. 2.Online Platform and Open Survey Engage Kitchener Fall 2019, Online survey available to all residents throughsummer Winter 2019 andwinter 2019/2020, andspring 2020. The online 2019/20, platform will serve as a project page for information and Spring pertaining to winter sidewalk maintenance initiatives and 2020a tool for publicfeedback. pg. 29 *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 11 - 29 11 - 30