Huntsville approves $253,000 for an additional sidewalk plow

The additional plow will help meet service needs

Huntsville Council approved $253,000 for an additional sidewalk plow, in the June 23, 2025, meeting.

Given the authorization, staff will now proceed with the procurement of two sidewalk machines.

The staff report indicates that one replacement plow costing $253,000 will be funded through the Fleet Capital Reserve, and the new unit that will be added to the existing fleet will cost an another $253,000, with $155,000 funded from Development Charges and $95,000 coming from the Fleet Capital reserve.

Manager of Fleet and Operations Facilities, Shane Taylor, told Council that they’re asking for early approval of the second unit because by requesting it now they can have it for the 2026 season. The replacement was supposed to be for 2027 but now they can order them at the same time.

The replacement unit was identified in the 2025-26 5-year Capital Budget for 2026 for use this winter, and the second one was recommended in the Development Study and will be used to expand fleet to meet service needs due to community growth, according to the report.

It adds, “$10,200 be included in the Mayor’s Draft 2027 budget to reflect the increase in operational costs due to the increase in fleet.”

It continues, “[It] aligns with asset replacement planning, improves winter service levels, and supports growing infrastructure demands.”

Councillor, Jason FitzGerald, said, “It’s critical that we’re proactive with this because we continually have delays.” He indicated that the machines are important and is one of the most common issues he gets calls about.

“I think it’s the right thing to do,” he added.

Councillor, Helena Renwick, inquired about the number of sidewalks that are increasing to justify the additional unit.

Staff indicated that there will be approximately 1 or 2 kilometres of additional sidewalks that will be developed over the next couple of years.

They added that it’s a good idea to consider this because “now the routes are maxed out.”

They confirmed that no extra staff will be required to run the additional machine.

Councillor, Monty Clouthier, supported staff’s request. He said, “They don’t come here on wants, they come here on needs.”

Staff also amended the motion to include, “$25,000 be included in the Mayor’s Draft 2027 budget to reflect the increase capital funding annually due to the increase in fleet.”