Connecting older adults with snow-clearing services

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City of Vaughan
The City is working with CHATS again this winter


Although there are many weeks before the first snowfall, it’s not too early to start thinking about your snow removal options for the upcoming winter season. Each year, the City of Vaughan operates an extensive winter services and road maintenance program to help keep the public safe during the winter months. Some residents may require assistance with snow-clearing at their homes – that’s where the Community & Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS) program comes in to help.

CHATS is a not-for-profit organization providing home and community support to older adults across York Region and South Simcoe since 1980. The CHATS Snow Removal program in Vaughan is a paid service that connects individuals to pre-approved service providers – quotes for winter snow clearance services are also provided at this time. The cost for snow clearing is paid for by the homeowner. 

Paid services offered include driveway snow clearing, walkway clearing to the front/main door and delivery of two 20-kilogram (44-pound) bags of salt, if requested, for the resident to use on their walkways at no extra charge (service does not include application of the salt). This program is available to Vaughan residents aged 55 and older or with age-related illnesses, for up to a maximum of 100 residents for this winter season. Subsidies are available based on the completion of a financial assessment. 

The CHATS Snow Clearing program is available beginning Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022 until Saturday, April 15, 2023. As capacity is limited, early registration is encouraged and can be done by calling 1-866-677-9048, ext. 7669 (SNOW), emailing snow@chats.on.ca or online at chats.on.ca/snow. 

For information on the City’s winter operations in Vaughan, visit vaughan.ca/snow. 

Throughout the winter months, the City is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens, implementing process efficiencies to deliver effective and efficient road maintenance and providing exceptional end-to-end citizen-centered services. These objectives are part of the Operational Performance, Active, Safe and Diverse Communities and Citizen Experience priorities in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. 

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