Before 2009's first snowflake falls in New Brunswick, Moncton city councillors are launching a plan to remedy concerns over the city's ability to clean up after snowfalls.

'This is going to be a big improvement, but I hope citizens realize it isn't going to do every sidewalk every time.'— Coun. Nancy Hoar

Moncton city council adopted on Monday night a five-year plan to plow another 60 kilometres of city sidewalks.

The plan comes after local residents expressed in a survey their frustration with the city's ability to clear streets and sidewalks after snowstorms.

Moncton will spend $700,000 on new equipment over the next five years as it tries to speed the clearing of sidewalks and major streets.

The new snow-clearing strategy will mean that most minor residential streets will get at least one sidewalk cleared if there's enough traffic to warrant it.

Even with these new investments, Coun. Nancy Hoar said residents must be warned there will still be gaps in the service.

"This is going to be a big improvement, but I hope citizens realize it isn't going to do every sidewalk every time," Hoar said.

There are 430 kilometres of sidewalks in the city, and it will take five years before a total of 300 kilometres are routinely cleared.

Coun. Rene Landry said more sidewalks must be plowed since more children will be using them this winter after the Department of Education cut back on school bus services.

"The school district did change their busing situation, so there will be more kids walking to school," Landry said.

Until Monday night, Moncton had not updated its snow removal plan since 1982.