Do you know your snow removal responsibilities?

Jan. 27, 2023 3:00 p.m.
​Clear snow and ice from sidewalks bordering your property and don’t shovel it onto the road


Winter is here, and more snowfall is in the forecast for this weekend. To help ensure winter operations run smoothly and efficiently, the City of Vaughan is reminding you that shovelled snow does NOT belong on the road. In fact, it’s against the law to place it there. 

Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act and the City’s Dumping By-law (PDF), shovelling snow or ice onto the road is illegal. And that includes your contractors! If you have hired a contractor to plow your laneway or sidewalk, ensure they are licensed with the City and they do not leave snow on the road from their removal. 

The City plows and salts main road sidewalks, residential sidewalks, crosswalks, school crossings, paths and walkways within parks; however, the sidewalks in front of houses and along your property are your responsibilities as a homeowner to salt and clear. The City’s Snow Clearing By-law 227-2022 (PDF) states you are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks that border your property to ensure your neighbours can walk safely on a clear path without fear of slipping on ice or snow. A fine of up to $500 may be issued to those who do not comply with the by-law.  

Working together to ensure snow operations run smoothly  

Winter operations are a shared responsibility. You play an important role in helping the City clear snow and ice. With more snow in the forecast, be sure to follow these tips: 

  • Keep parked cars off the street while snowplows are out to assist the City in ensuring streets are cleared properly and safely. On-street parking is not permitted at any time when snowplows are clearing the streets, or between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. in Vaughan without a permit. Crews cannot effectively clear roads and laneways with cars parked along them. As outlined in the City’s Parking By-law (PDF), on-street parking that interferes with snow-clearing operations is prohibited. Vehicles found in violation may be subject to a $75 fine or towed at the owner’s expense. 
  • Remove anything from your property that may interfere with or be hazardous to plow crews. This includes landscaping features, such as fencing, basketball nets, decorative stones, pots, bird baths, furniture and more, as stated in the City’s Encroachment By-law 034-2017 (PDF). These items should not be within 30 centimetres of a sidewalk or one metre of a street curb.
  • Stay off the roads during a heavy snowstorm unless travel is essential. You can also use York Region Transit to get around the city during inclement weather.
  • Clean snow off all vehicle surfaces before driving and keep a safe distance from snowplows and salting equipment.  
  • Set waste bins back from the curb approximately one metre on the right-hand side of your driveway, where possible (when facing the home). They should never be placed on top of or behind snowbanks.
  • Keep fire hydrants clear and accessible (one metre all around). Blocked, concealed or difficult-to-access fire hydrants can slow down 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.
  • Help keep catch basins clear of snow and ice to prevent flooding during temperature fluctuations, if it’s safe to do so. 

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

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