Montreal begins annual effort to clear tonnes of garbage exposed by snowmelt

By Canadian Press on March 19, 2025.

MONTREAL — Street cleaning is a rite of spring in Montreal, after receding snow exposes months’ worth of cigarette butts, dog waste, and other garbage.

The city says its fleet of street sweepers, sidewalk washers and other cleaning staff will need between four and six weeks to pick up what is expected to be at least 50,000 tonnes of trash and gravel.

Spokesman Philippe Sabourin told reporters today that because Montreal is a “winter city,” some cleaning operations can’t take place during colder months when snow and ice blanket the roads and streets.

However, he says in recent years Montreal has started spring cleaning operations earlier, and employed some teams year-round.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante says the city will invest an additional $6.2 million for such things as “flying brigades” — workers who will travel across the island to help borough crews tackle messes.

The city says that to adapt to climate change, it has outfitted some sidewalk snow plows with water sprayers so they can be used for street cleaning once the snow recedes.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 19, 2025.

The Canadian Press