All you need to ‘snow’ about Significant Weather Events in Vaughan

The City of Vaughan’s Public Works crews will be on the job this winter – no matter the size or scale of storm that comes our way! 

Keeping the community safe, informed and moving throughout the season is a top priority, however, our operations may be impacted by big storms – or Significant Weather Events. 

To help you prepare for the months ahead, here’s everything you need to ‘snow’ about Significant Weather Events in Vaughan:

What is a Significant Weather Event?

A Significant Weather Event is defined as an approaching or occurring weather hazard with the potential to pose a significant danger to road users within a municipality. Examples of severe weather that could trigger a Significant Weather Event include freezing rain, significant snowfall and blowing snow.

When does the City declare a Significant Weather Event?

The City may declare a Significant Weather Event when Environment Canada has issued an alert under its Public Weather Alerting Program. In order to do so, the City must determine that an approaching or occurring winter storm meets the criteria for a weather hazard and poses a significant danger to road users.

How will I know if the City has declared a Significant Weather Event?

When the City declares a Significant Weather Event, it will be communicated in the following ways:

• an alert is posted on the homepage of vaughan.ca 
• posts are shared on the City’s corporate social media channels: X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram 
• a public service announcement is issued and published on vaughan.ca/news
• an eNewsletter is distributed through Vaughan News – subscribe today to join the list and get City news delivered straight to your inbox

In addition to the City declaring a Significant Weather Event, York Region can also declare their own event. This declaration impacts regional roads in Vaughan. Visit york.ca for more information.

What should I do when the City declares a Significant Weather Event?

During a Significant Weather Event, you are urged to stay home unless you need to make an essential trip. Those who must drive are reminded to exercise caution based on the weather conditions and to give our snowplow operators space to do their jobs safely and efficiently. Alternatively, you can consider taking public transit.

How does a Significant Weather Event impact City service levels?

When the City declares a Significant Weather Event, our winter maintenance operations may be impacted. Although our service level standards do not change, snow and ice clearing activities may take longer to complete. Staff will continuously monitor weather forecasts and make the necessary decisions and adjustments to our winter maintenance operations. Rest assured, our crews will work around-the-clock to clear roads, sidewalks and walkways as quickly as possible. 

How will I know the City has ended a Significant Weather Event in Vaughan?

When the City ends a Significant Weather Event, it will be communicated through the same channels as it was upon being declared.

Stay informed!

For more information on the City’s winter maintenance program, visit vaughan.ca/snow. For additional details and to receive the latest information on Vaughan’s winter operations:

• contact the SNOW hotline at 905-879-SNOW (7669) or email snow@vaughan.ca.

• follow the City’s official corporate channels on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

• subscribe to Vaughan News.