Winnipeg business owners, residents say snow clearing crews causing damage

WINNIPEG – A winter storm that hit Winnipeg just before Christmas took a big chunk out of the city’s budget due to snow clearing, but now it appears it may cost even more.

Some residents and business owners have filed damage claims, saying the cleanup resulted in some extra property damage.

Warren Clover contends a gate on his fence was ripped right off by city snow removal crews.

He says it’s the third time he’s had property damage as a result of snow clearing, adding in one of those cases the city reimbursed him $130 for damage that ended up costing him $600.

Taylor Wallace, owner of a gym, says the ice buildup in front of his front door was so bad a piece went through one of his windows.

Both Wallace and Clover have filed damage claims with the city and are waiting to hear back.

“I don’t want the city’s money. I just want my fence,” says Clover. “It’s terrible when you just put up a fence and they do it again.”

The city says any property owners who believe they suffered damage as the result of work by city crews should submit a claim by contacting 311.

Storm-total snowfall of 12.3cm here in Glenwood. First measurement on my new snow board! #Winnipeg #MBstorm pic.twitter.com/Zd4q2ANa0Q

— Weather in the ‘Peg (@WeatherInThePeg) December 23, 2015

Fresh snow fall causing dangerous morning commute in Winnipeg https://t.co/dCjMwicOP5 pic.twitter.com/785fVug4Uf

— Global Winnipeg (@globalwinnipeg) December 23, 2015