Help clear hydrants, sidewalks and catch basins near your property

Feb. 3, 2022 11:00 a.m.
City of Vaughan
​The City reminds residents of their responsibilities during winter weather events


Did you know that you have a role to play during winter operations as a resident of Vaughan? If you have a fire hydrant, sidewalk or catch basin near your property, you are responsible for clearing them of snow and ice. 

Catch basins need to be cleared (even in the winter) to allow for proper drainage – this helps to prevent flooding on roads during temperature fluctuations. The resident living closest to a catch basin is responsible for clearing the catch basin and a pathway to it. 

Additionally, if there is a fire hydrant near your home or business, please make sure it is also clear of snow and ice (one metre all around) so firefighters can easily access it in the event of a fire. 

It is important to set waste bins back from the curb approximately one metre on the right-hand side of the driveway (when facing the home). This set-out helps prevent waste materials from being knocked over or buried during snow clearing operations. Bins should never be placed on top of or behind snowbanks. This allows crews to safely collect waste and for plows to clear the snow effectively and efficiently in residential areas.  

Clearing sidewalks around your home is another way you can help ensure Vaughan’s winter operations run smoothly and efficiently. Make sure to clear snow and ice from 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, or removing snow from a catch basin or fire hydrant, remember not to dump it 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. 

While you’re out clearing snow, make sure you do not have parked cars on the street while snowplows are out. On-street parking is not permitted between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. in Vaughan or at any time when winter operations are in progress as per the City’s By-law 064-2019 (PDF). It’s also important to remove anything 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. 

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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