14.1998-1999 SNOW LINK PROGRAM,
Ward 27, York-Humber and Ward 28, York-Eglinton.
Director of Professional Services, Works and Emergency Services, York Civic Centre
(August 14, 1998)
Purpose:
To obtain approval for the 1998-1999 Snow Link Program within the York District.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Status:
Funds of $50,000.00 are available in account number 397-467 for this Program.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)We continue with the Snow Link Program for the 1998-99 winter season;
(2)The rebate level and administration of the Program remain unchanged; and
(3)A one-page promotional/information ad be placed in the York Guardian Newspaper for
a minimum period of two weeks.
Council Reference/Background History:
The former City of York has offered its senior and disabled residents a Snow Link Program
since 1983. Under this program private leadwalks, driveways and public sidewalks abutting
the residents' property are cleared of snow.
Under the rebate program, eligible registered senior/disabled residents, have been refunded
up to 100% of their cost for sidewalk snow removal, to a maximum of $10.00 per storm and
a maximum of $65.00 per season.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
In 1997-1998, the cost to operate the Snow Link Program was $54,261.00 with 820
residents registering in the program but only 430 actually submitted a rebate claim.
The total amount rebated under the program for 1997-1998 was $14,953.00. The balance of
the budget in the amount of $36,954.00 went towards administration costs of the three
Community Centres, promotion materials and distribution, registration and claim forms.
The following options have been examined for this program:
(a)Maintain the "status quo";
(b)Discontinue the Snow Link Program entirely; and
(c)Move from individually delivered promotional/information flyers, at an approximate
cost of $4,000.00 to a full page promotional/information ad in the York Guardian
Newspaper, at an approximate cost of $1,070.00 per week (total cost $2,140.00).
The "link" program for the coming winter season 1998-1999 is again proposed to be
administered through three separate community centres: York Fairbank Centre for Seniors,
York Community Services, and George S. Syme Seniors' Centre of York. The York District
will provide the necessary funds to hire a co-ordinator at each of the community centres and
to underwrite the cost associated with administering the program.
Conclusions:
Having examined the above options, for the benefit of our seniors, we recommend the
continuance of the Program for the 1998-1999 winter season. Due to budget constraints, the
Program will be advertised in the York Guardian Newspaper.
Contact Name:
Chi H. Ng
Director of Professional Services
394-2648 (phone)
394-2888 (fax)
