Equipment breakdown and sky-high piles of snow are hampering the city of Montreal's efforts to clean up last weekend's storm.

Several plows in the city's fleet required extensive repairs on Wednesday because of overuse, city officials said.

The equipment malfunction delayed snow-clearing efforts, and as of Wednesday, a third of city streets were cleared, less than what the city originally promised, said Marcel Tremblay, executive council member in charge of snow clearing.

It will take another week before all the snow is removed, so people should pitch in and help their neighbours, especially seniors, he said.

The storm, dubbed "mammoth" by Environment Canada is taking its toll on Canadians across the eastern seaboard, where it struck with force on the weekend.

In Quebec, police are reporting several incidents of "snow rage" including one where a man brandished a 12-gauge gun after a private contractor blew snow in his direction in Quebec City on the weekend.

In Montreal, a man faces criminal charges after a weekend incident involving parking. Montreal police said two men were arguing over a parking spot when the disagreement escalated.

"Two men were arguing verbally for the few parking spaces that were left on the first avenue in Roxboro," said police spokesman Raphael Bergeron. "At one point, one of the suspects basically showed to the complainant what appeared to be a handgun."

The gun turned out to be fake, but the suspect will still be charged with possession of a weapon with a dangerous purpose, Bergeron said.

Snow equipment a hot commodity: police

Police also report a rise in snow blower theft this winter.

In Laval, police said snow blowers are being stolen and resold at cut-rate prices to people tired of shovelling every week.

Laval Police have received at least 60 theft reports, a 50 per cent increase compared to last year.

Authorities in Mascouche and Blainville, two Montreal suburbs, also report an increase in snow blower thefts.

For people with reduced mobility, the heavy snow cover has made transportation very difficult. 

Snow is a chore for seniors, people with disabilities

At the Cumming Jewish Centre for Seniors in Montreal, many activities have been cancelled and the daily shuttle service postponed because it's too hard for clients to get around, said coordinator Benita Goldin.

It's even hard for people to get through the centre's front doors, she said on Tuesday. "All I see is snow, snow everywhere. The sidewalks are totally impassable."

Many people are opting to walk in the streets instead of testing sidewalks, a risky proposition for the visually impaired.

"You can't expect people to travel under those conditions," said Montrealer Michael Ciarciello, who is blind. "It's gotta be safe."