Brant’s Snow Buddies program cancelled amid volunteer shortage

Accumulating snow has created challenges for residents with limited mobility during a winter marked by heavy snowfall. The County of Brant’s Snow Buddies program was cancelled because of limited volunteer participation.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

A shortage of volunteers has led to the cancellation of the Snow Buddies program this winter, reducing access to snow-removal assistance for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents during a season of significant snowfall.

The volunteer-based program was designed to connect seniors, residents with disabilities and those with limited mobility with community members willing to help clear snow from sidewalks and driveways, tasks that can quickly become safety hazards during winter storms.

County officials announced in mid-December that the program would not continue this winter due to a decline in volunteer registrations. “Since it began, the Snow Buddies program has experienced challenges in registering enough volunteer ‘Buddies’ to assist those in need,” said Sarah Dredge, manager of recreation services for the County of Brant. “Even with additional promotion efforts, we have not been able to connect everyone with volunteers to provide support.” While detailed registration numbers for this winter were not available before deadline, Dredge said the primary type of assistance residents were seeking was snow shovelling for sidewalks and driveways, which can be a critical service for individuals who may be unable to safely manage snow removal on their own.

The loss of the program is particularly felt this winter, as repeated snowfalls have created difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions for residents with limited mobility. Icy sidewalks and blocked driveways can prevent people from leaving their homes, accessing medical appointments or safely receiving deliveries.

Dredge said residents who registered for Snow Buddies were informed during the application process that assistance could not be guaranteed without sufficient volunteers, and that not all requests could be matched.

“Residents were understanding when not matched, as it was clearly communicated during the registration process that matches could only be made if enough volunteers signed up,” she said.

County staff explored whether similar programs existed in neighbouring communities, but found that many municipalities do not operate volunteer-based snow removal services. In some areas, Dredge said, support is offered through neighbourhood associations or community organizations rather than municipal programs.

With no County-run replacement for Snow Buddies, residents who still need help are being encouraged to seek assistance through informal community connections. Suggestions shared by the County include reaching out through local social media groups, posting flyers at schools and community spaces, connecting with neighbourhood youth, or arranging services through local snow removal companies.

At this time, there are no plans to revive the Snow Buddies program next winter.

However, residents or community groups interested in helping can still contact the County. Those willing to volunteer or seeking information about community support options are encouraged to reach out to the Community Partnership and Seniors Services Coordinator by email at parksandrec@brant.ca.