Courtesy of Karl Davey
A recent photo of Quebec Street in Sherbrooke
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Sherbrooke resident Karl Davey has spent weeks advocating for better snow removal on Quebec Street, arguing that the city’s policy of clearing only one sidewalk creates unsafe conditions for pedestrians. Davey, who has lived in the area for over 50 years, says the decision ignores the steep incline of the street and the challenges it presents in winter.
According to a 2011 municipal policy that was made permanent in 2013, the city clears both sidewalks only on high-traffic streets. On local streets with fewer than 500 vehicles per day, only one sidewalk is maintained. The city reaffirmed this policy in a statement provided to The Record on Feb. 13, stating that the decision was made by council and not subject to administrative changes.
Davey said his concerns stem from the specific geography of Quebec Street. “The city forgot that this is one of the steepest streets in Sherbrooke,” he said. “When you add snow and ice, it becomes a serious hazard.” He highlighted that seniors, parents with young children, and residents with mobility issues are particularly affected.
On Jan. 20, Davey formally requested snow removal on both sidewalks. The city responded that the request had been closed and that an “the team will complete the work soon.” However, subsequent follow-ups left Davey frustrated. “They told me it was approved, then two days later, I was told it wasn’t happening,” he said.
District councillor Raïs Kibonge, who was on parental leave at the time, later acknowledged the request and forwarded it to the borough office. “There’s so much red tape,” Davey said. “Nobody wants to take responsibility.”
A passage from the city’s winter maintenance policy, which Davey has reviewed extensively, outlines that service levels are based on safety and circulation efficiency. However, he argues the implementation on Quebec Street contradicts these goals. “This policy says safety is a priority, but it’s not being applied fairly here,” he said.
Davey’s efforts have garnered attention beyond city hall. “I’ve spoken to two radio stations, and it’s picking up traction,” he said. “This isn’t just about me—it’s about my neighbours, the elderly, and families who are forced to walk in the street.”
Despite numerous attempts to escalate the issue, Davey has received no clear resolution. “I even reached out to the mayor’s office. Nobody wants to take a stand,” he said.
Quebec Street residents have been dealing with worsening conditions each winter. Davey noted that many seniors and those with disabilities have been unable to navigate the icy streets safely. “My neighbour, who’s 86, struggles every day just to walk his dog. It’s not just an inconvenience—it’s dangerous,” he said.
Parents of young children have also expressed concerns. “One of my neighbours has three kids under 10, and she has to cross the street in the middle of the road because the sidewalk isn’t cleared,” Davey explained. “It’s terrifying. You can’t see the cars coming because of the slope.”
The issue is further compounded by what Davey describes as inconsistent snow-clearing practices. He has observed city snow removal equipment operating in a manner that seems inefficient. “I’ve watched them go up and down the street, ignoring the even side entirely,” he said. “If they’re trying to save money and reduce emissions, why are they making extra trips without finishing the job?”
Davey has attempted to escalate the issue at multiple levels of government, but he remains frustrated by what he perceives as bureaucratic inaction. “Every department I’ve contacted refers me to someone else. It’s like a maze of red tape,” he said. “At this point, I’ve spoken to so many people, I feel like I know city politics better than some councillors.”
His persistence, however, has kept the issue in the public eye. “This is about more than just one winter or one sidewalk. It’s about holding the city accountable for public safety,” he said. “We need to take care of our streets, and that starts with listening to residents.”
On Feb. 13, The Record contacted Kibonge for comment or an interview. No response was received before the article went to print.