Winnipeg snow clearing costs already piling up [Video]

Finance officials at Winnipeg City Hall are hoping mother nature is kind this winter, as the snow budget is already being pushed over its limit.

The public works department is requesting a $13.1 million over expenditure for costs up to June 30 this year.

The main culprit is a $9.8 million dollar overrun for snow and ice clearing . There is also $2.6 million earmarked for city beautification, and $1.4 million for pothole patching, which is offset by $819,000 in savings.

Public Works Committee Chair Janice Lukes said this is the price for living in a winter city.

“We’re going to have to figure this out because we need to move in the city. We can’t be sitting in snow banks,” she said.

“We need snow removal. I’m hoping the weather stays great.”

She’s hoping the weather stays great because the department is also requesting an additional $9.9 million for …