Clearing the way for fire hydrants and catch basins

As more and more leaves fall to the ground, they may cover the fire hydrant and catch basin close to your home. When possible, you’re encouraged to help keep these essential parts of the City of Vaughan’s water and stormwater systems clean, clear and accessible.

Fire hydrants

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), citizens 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 debris, leaves and other yard waste are not blocking the area surrounding a fire 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.

Catch basins

Catch basins need to be kept clear to allow for proper stormwater drainage – especially during heavy rainfall or storms. The resident living closest to a catch basin is encouraged to help clear it of leaves and other debris if it’s safe to do so.

There are approximately 22,000 catch basins in Vaughan that are critical in keeping stormwater moving. These drainage systems are regularly maintained to keep the city’s water clean and safe to avoid water ponding and flooding. You can help protect this infrastructure by preventing yard waste, such as twigs and leaves, food scraps, chemicals and other debris from going into catch basins.  

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

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