City continues extensive sidewalk snow-clearing operations

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City of Vaughan
Main road sidewalks in Vaughan are the top priority


Following Monday’s unprecedented blizzard,  the City of Vaughan’s winter operations crews continue to clear snow from sidewalks throughout the community. Residents walking to school or work should allow extra time and take precautions on sidewalks.

Clearing primary sidewalks (by main roads) remains the priority today for crews so citizens can safely walk on them and not on the roads. The complete network of sidewalks, including secondaries (in residential areas and non-main roads) and park walkways, will not be completed until Thursday, Jan. 20 at the earliest.

Parents are encouraged to leave extra time to get their kids to school. Consider alternative routes if sidewalks are not clear. Walk carefully when crossing the street, pay attention to vehicular traffic while walking along or crossing roads, and obey all traffic rules and signals. Citizens should ensure they are visible to drivers and cyclists and make eye contact once they have stopped before crossing, and cross at designated crosswalks, crossovers or controlled intersections only.

Drivers are reminded to take extra precautions, such as checking the weather and road conditions before leaving home or work and allowing extra travel time or waiting until conditions improve. Give enough time to get to the destination without the need for speed. Additionally, remember to keep a safe distance from snowplows and salting equipment, and if going through school zones, reduce speed and be ready to stop at all times.

Everyone plays an important part in Vaughan’s winter operations efforts – and that includes removing snow and ice from sidewalks at your property. Clear sidewalks bordering your property within 24 hours after snowfall has ended to help ensure roads and sidewalks remain safe, as stated in the City’s By-law 300-93 (PDF). When shovelling your laneway or sidewalk, do not to dump snow onto the public roadway. If you have hired a contractor to plow your laneway or sidewalk, ensure they do not leave snow on the road from their removal. It is illegal to shovel snow or ice onto the road. To learn more, read the Ontario Highway Traffic Act.

Stay informed!

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

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