Clear hydrants and catch basins!

With the heavy snowfall this week, don’t forget about catch basins and fire hydrants! Blocked or concealed catch basins can lead to water ponding and street flooding when the snow melts, and snow-covered hydrants make it difficult for emergency responders to access them. Here are two ways you can help prevent flooding and keep fire hydrants accessible this winter:

1. Help keep catch basins clear

Catch basins are typically found curbside and covered with a slotted lid or grate to collect stormwater run-off and move it to a stormwater management pond. To do this, they must be kept clear to allow melting snow and rain to drain. The resident living closest to a catch basin is encouraged to help clear it of snow, ice and other debris, if it’s safe to do so, to help prevent water ponding or flooding.

To report sewer or street flooding, call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or email service@vaughan.ca. For more information on the City of Vaughan’s stormwater system, visit vaughan.ca/stormwater.

2. Keep fire hydrants and the surrounding area clear

In an emergency, every second matters. Blocked, concealed or difficult-to-access fire hydrants can delay emergency fire response.

As outlined in the City’s Water By-Law 106-2022 (PDF), residents who have a fire hydrant on their property or City property adjacent to theirs are responsible for ensuring the hydrant is always visible and unobstructed. Ensure snow, ice and other debris are not blocking the area surrounding a hydrant and an accessible path from the street to the hydrant is always maintained.

To learn more about the City’s fire hydrants, visit vaughan.ca/water.

For winter safety tips, visit vaughan.ca/snow.

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