Consultant KPMG is examining Ottawa's snow clearing practices — the first significant appraisal in 13 years.

The city says its standards are high compared to other Ontario cities.

But with climate change creating unpredictable conditions, there could be new options on the table as the city seeks ways to trim its snow clearing budget.

Keith Egli, who chairs the city's transportation committee, has stated he wants the city to continue plowing sidewalks in residential areas, even though that's not the practice in other municipalities.

Ottawa Morning host Robyn Bresnahan asked listeners what they though of the idea..

Would you be willing to shovel your own sidewalk if it meant quicker, more efficient snow plowing on the streets? —@OttawaMorning

<a href="https://twitter.com/OttawaMorning">@OttawaMorning</a> I can't see how it would have that result. Many people would be unable to participate. I do it voluntarily. Wish more did. —@jpmacnab

<a href="https://twitter.com/OttawaMorning">@OttawaMorning</a> I would if it meant quicker sidewalk plowing in non-res high foot traffic areas and for seniors. 1/2 —@alison_smedley

<a href="https://twitter.com/OttawaMorning">@OttawaMorning</a> not as concerned about roads, wish the driving slowed in storms, only some people drive, but everyone uses sidewalks. 2/2 —@alison_smedley

<a href="https://twitter.com/OttawaMorning">@OttawaMorning</a> not really, the city owns the sidewalk and we need standards for maintenance to ensure safety & accessibility —@FCM_DonnaC

<a href="https://twitter.com/OttawaMorning">@OttawaMorning</a> Yes, but what's the policy/message - that cars are more important than pedestrians? —@DeejAndersen

<a href="https://twitter.com/OttawaMorning">@OttawaMorning</a> Ottawa is quite unique in their approach to sidewalk cleaning. That said, it improves accessibility so I think it's good —@offhandremarks

<a href="https://twitter.com/OttawaMorning">@OttawaMorning</a> I believe that you need to take responsibility for the space around you. Get out and clean your own sidewalks. —@danarosscyril

<a href="https://twitter.com/OttawaMorning">@OttawaMorning</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shovel?src=hash">#shovel</a> your own#SW? What are marginalized seniors supposed to do? How do their service providers get to them? —@kcs_kim

Other municipalities already do.

They include Toronto, London, Ont., and Edmonton.

The results, though, are subjective.

<a href="https://twitter.com/OttawaMorning">@OttawaMorning</a> Toronto does this - terrible results. Property owners do bad job of clearing sidewalks, causing major accessibility issues! —@aynsilly

<a href="https://twitter.com/OttawaMorning">@OttawaMorning</a> London Ont. shovels own sidewalks and did nothing to get the plowing done faster. —@Legageica

Expectations too great?

For those who have lived elsewhere and moved to Ottawa, expectations in the capital might seem high.

<a href="https://twitter.com/OttawaMorning">@OttawaMorning</a> Was surprised at how hi the expectations were when I arrived from Toronto 24 yrs ago.Residents here expect bone dry roads/SW. —@MidCenturyMike

<a href="https://twitter.com/OttawaMorning">@OttawaMorning</a> I grew up in the hey day of "Be Nice Clear Your Ice" in Toronto so I thought everyone did it. Was surprised when I moved away —@EllEmmMay

Can you blame Ottawans? As the CBC's Kate Porter wrote, the city has been going above and beyond for several years.