Test 1: Clearing Montreal's Snow

A. Montreal receives about two metres of snow in an average winter, more than many other large cities in the world. Unlike most Canadian cities, which simply plow snow to the side of the road, Montreal removes much of it entirely. After a major storm, the city launches a snow-clearing operation that can involve thousands of workers and vehicles and take several days to complete across all neighbourhoods. B. The operation follows a careful sequence. First, plows push snow from the streets and sidewalks into long piles along the curb. Then, specialized snow blowers move slowly along the street, throwing the snow into the backs of dump trucks that drive alongside them. The trucks carry the snow to large disposal sites, including old quarries, where it is piled into mountains that sometimes do not fully melt until summer. C. Residents must play their part. Before crews arrive on a street, orange signs are posted and cars must be moved. Tow trucks drive through neighbourhoods with sirens sounding to warn drivers, and vehicles that are not moved in time are towed to a nearby street, with the owner receiving a fine. A free mobile app now tells residents when their street is scheduled for clearing, reducing the number of cars towed. D. Snow removal is one of the city's largest expenses, costing well over one hundred million dollars in a typical year. Officials are looking for ways to make the process more efficient, for example by using GPS to track vehicles and plan routes. Some environmental groups have suggested leaving more snow on quieter residential streets, arguing that the trucks burn large amounts of fuel, while others say removal is essential for safety and access.