Sidewalks A Soggy Challenge Downtown As Rain Turns Snow Into Slush

If motorists were straining and sliding on the slippery streets of the GTA Wednesday, consider the other half – the pedestrians.

Those walking uptown had to contend with snow covered sidewalks that made navigating difficult, especially with existing ice from previous storms buried underneath.

But they still managed to tread a lot easier than their counterparts downtown. With warmer temperatures in the core, rain mixed with the flakes in the morning, leaving a major mess for those on foot – including huge and unjumpable puddles at the end of most blocks.

Getting through them all was a struggle as those without boots were taken by surprise by the sudden street lakes. “It’s terrible,” concedes Jali Hamalaine. “It ruins your shoes, right?

“I’m trying to go around them, I guess,” adds Marco Loraca. He’s wearing boots but … “They’re cheap ones,” he laughs.

And then there’s Frankie Chan, whose little dog is doing more than getting wet. The puddles are almost deep enough to drown the little pooch. But fortunately his master came prepared. “She’s got a harness (below) so I can lift her up and she is kind of light,” he explains.

Home and business owners are reminded that they have 12 hours to clear the snow and sludge in front of their properties. Wait too long and the city will do it for you – along with a $105 fine.

And with more snow on the way, walkers will be dodging those hazards and shovellers will be clearing their front walks a few more times before it all ends.