Plateau-Mont-Royal residents should prepare to see more snow on roads on weekends this winter since the borough plans to cut back on snow removal.

The borough intends to continue plowing snow on Saturday and Sundays, but the snow wouldn't be carted off in trucks until after the weekend.

Newly-elected Projet Montreal city councillor Alex Norris says the move is necessary to bring snow clearing costs under control.

"We estimate that every weekend we do that we can save $150,000," said Norris.

He also says that freeing up the funds will help provide more money to help clear the sidewalks -- a service which he says has been disastrous in the past.

The borough is also proposing to clear snow only after 15 centimetres have fallen, instead of the current standard of 10 centimetres.

Local merchants are divided over the proposal.

Robert Morena, the owner of St. Viateur Bagel, believes the results would be "disastrous".

"I think they should clear the snow at all costs. Already winter is harsh enough," Morena said.

But Steven Welch, who owns a book store in the area, says he's willing to be open-minded.

"Most of us voted for Projet Montreal around here...and we'll have patience and see what they can do for us," Welch said.

Montreal executive committee vice-chairman Michael Applebaum, who is now the city's point man on snow removal, says Projet Montreal should reconsider the idea.

"It's easy to say in theory this is how we're going to manage this winter, but really in practice when it comes down to it, what they're proposing isn't going to be doable," said Applebaum.

Projet Montreal says they won't act without consulting citizens.

A public consultation will be held at the offices of the Montreal Police Brotherhood at 480 Gilford St. (Laurier Metro) on Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.