Snow Link Program for Seniors and the Disabled

Ward 27, York Humber and Ward 28, York Eglinton

The York Community Council recommends that:

(1)the current method of snow removal for seniors and the disabled through its Snow Link Program be endorsed for the 1998/1999 winter season, as stated in recommendation (1) in the following Clause No. 6 of Report No. 10 which was adopted without amendment by Council on October 1 and 2, 1998:

(2)the current Snow Link Program be endorsed as the preferred method for providing winter maintenance services for seniors and the disabled for future winter seasons, and that Ward 27, York Humber and Ward 28, York Eglinton, be exempted from the City's proposed 1999/2000 Winter Maintenance program;

(3)the Snow Link Program continue to be administered by the York Fairbank Centre for Seniors, the York Community Services and the George S. Syme Seniors' Centre for York and that their 1998/1999 and future funding levels be maintained; and

(4)the current rate of financial assistance of $10.00 per storm to a limit of $65.00 for the winter season be eliminated, and that the eligible recipients be provided this service at no charge commencing with the 1998/1999 winter season.

The York Community Council submits for information, the following Clause No. 6 of ReportNo. 10, which was adopted without amendment by Council on October 1 and 2, 1998:

(1998-1999 Snow Link Program

Ward 27, York Humber and Ward 28, York Eglinton)

The York Community Council recommends that:

(1)the following report (August 14, 1998) from the Director of Professional Services, Works and Emergency Services, York District, be adopted; and

(2)the one-page promotional/information advertisement also be placed in the Bloor West Villager newspaper.

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)the Snow Link Program for the 1998-99 winter season be continued;

(2)the rebate level and administration of the Program remain unchanged; and

(3)a one-page promotional/information advertisement 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

York Director of Professional Services

Tel:394-2648

Fax:394-2888

The York Community Council also submits the following memorandum (August 24, 1998) from Councillor Joe Mihevc:

Please put this item on the agenda for the new York Community Council to be held on September16, 1998.

Snow Link has served as a vital service to seniors during the winter months. I am hereby requesting that the York Community Council allocate funds for the 1998-1999 Snow Link Program. As in 1997, I would ask that $50,000.00 should be allocated to this program.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

The York Community Council also submits the following communication from Ms.AlanaButcher, Acting Executive Director, The George Syme Seniors' Centre of York to Councillor Frances Nunziata:

Further to a discussion we had with Gary Welsh, Director of Transportation Services, District No.4

and our conversation yesterday regarding the model used for the Snow Link Program, here is an outline of the issues we discussed:

SNOW LINK MODEL

Provides removal of snow from private property (front/back steps, pathways and driveways), as well as public property snow removal (sidewalk) within a guaranteed 24-hour period, 7 days a week, for seniors and the disabled.

- It provides private property snow removal allowing seniors/disabled access to and from their front door to the sidewalk, 7 days per week. In most cases, the snow is shoveled within 2 to 3 hours after a snowfall.

- Personal contact and follow-up (from our agency staff) to the seniors to assure them that the service will be and has been provided.

- Provides employment for youth (school students) as well as for unemployed adults. We use the adults to clear snow for seniors needing immediate access from their homes to go to medical appointments, etc. The students shovel either before school and/or after school and are available depending on the need.

- It establishes an intergenerational link between seniors and the students in the community. Very often, it leads to extended services/help to the seniors (i.e. yard cleanup in the fall, grass cutting, odd jobs, etc.)

- It eliminates the vulnerability of seniors to people in the community who offer snow removal services at prices beyond the economic range of seniors.

- It allows seniors to live independently in their homes and relieves the stress for family members knowing that this service will be provided to their parents. (i.e. family members who live out-of-town.)

- Cost effective - snow shovellers are paid $7.50 per hour directly by the senior. The agency utilizes the funds provided by the City on a cost-recovery basis only (i.e. coordinator hired to administer the program.) A rebate (maximum $65.00) can be applied for by the senior.

As you know, this model of snow removal provides a valuable service not only to the seniors and disabled, but also to the community as a whole. Your interest and understanding of our concerns regarding proposed changes in the delivery of snow removal services to seniors is very much appreciated and we would like your assistance in raising these issues at the November Toronto Council meeting.

Thanks for your help, we value your support of our Centre and the commitment to members in the community.

________

-Ms. Wendy Caceres of the George Syme Seniors' Centre appeared before the Community Council in connection with the foregoing matter, and submitted a brief in respect thereto.