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Sault Ste. Marie Faces $1M Surge in Snow and Ice Removal Costs for 2025
The City of Sault Ste. Marie is preparing for a significant increase in its winter road maintenance budget, with snow and ice removal costs projected to rise by approximately $980,000 in 2025. This represents a 27 percent increase over the previous year’s budget of $3.6 million, bringing the total anticipated cost to $4.6 million. The increase is attributed to a combination of inflationary pressures, rising fuel and material costs, and a newly awarded five-year contract for snow removal services.
During the winter of 2024-2025, for example, Sault Ste. Marie received 482 centimetres of snow, well over the recent annual average of 320 centimetres.
The new contract, valued at $19.5 million over five years, has been awarded to Jara Sweeping & Services Inc., replacing the previous provider, Avery Construction. Under the terms of the agreement, Jara Sweeping will be responsible for snow and ice removal across all five city zones, with updated hourly rates and equipment standards that reflect current market conditions. City staff noted that the new rates are consistent with industry benchmarks and necessary to ensure reliable service delivery during increasingly unpredictable winter seasons.
In addition to contractor costs, the city is facing higher expenses for fuel, salt, and other materials essential to winter operations. The Public Works department has indicated that the revised budget is necessary to maintain safe and accessible roadways throughout the winter months, particularly during periods of heavy snowfall and ice accumulation.
City council received the proposed budget adjustment as part of its 2025 municipal planning process. The increase will be reflected in the city’s operating budget and is expected to be formally approved in the coming months. Officials emphasized that while the cost increase is substantial, it is critical to maintaining public safety and ensuring timely snow clearing for residents and emergency services.
