Crombie denounces reports of harassment against Mississauga snow plow drivers
Posted March 10, 2023 9:05 pm.
Last Updated March 10, 2023 9:13 pm.
Mississauga’s mayor is speaking out following reports that snow plow drivers in the city have been harassed and had their trucks vandalized while working during the recent storms.
The City of Mississauga confirmed the allegations in a series of tweets on Friday, noting that while most residents are respectful, there are some people not being courteous.
“Most residents have been patient and understanding, but there have been instances of harassment towards winter crews and vandalism to our equipment,” the city said. “Violence toward any city staff or contractor, including rude gestures, threats, verbal and physical abuse, will not be tolerated.”
The tweets were published before the most recent storm passed through Toronto and the GTA on Friday.
One local snow plow driver, who says he’s served the city for over 20 years, told CityNews he experienced what he described as “never before seen behaviour.”
“I was doing my best to plow through one street in Mississauga. It’s a neighbourhood I’ve driven through many times before with no issues. I was reversing from a dead-end, and on my way back, a gentleman who was out shovelling waved at me to stop before yelling profanities at me,” the man said in an email.
“He said, ‘you come by and spread so much snow on my driveway.'” I tried to explain [it was] my job to get the streets cleared as soon as possible. When I started to drive away, he must have thrown something, perhaps his shovel, at the side of my truck because I heard a bang. I didn’t feel like dealing with it, and I continued [with] my shift.”
Disturbing to hear that our winter maintenance crews are facing harassment while clearing snow. This behaviour is unacceptable. Please be kind, be patient and respect those working to keep our roads safe. https://t.co/7utiS5LfDk
— Bonnie Crombie ???????? (@BonnieCrombie) March 10, 2023
Mayor Bonnie Crombie addressed the reports of harassment, urging members of the community to stop.
“Disturbing to hear that our winter maintenance crews are facing harassment while clearing snow,” Crombie said. “This behaviour is unacceptable. Please be kind, be patient and respect those working to keep our roads safe.”
A snowfall warning remains in place for Halton-Peel, specifically Burlington and Oakville — two cities that were hit hard during Friday’s snowstorm.
