Help ensure the City’s winter operations run smoothly and safely

Nov. 15, 2022 10:00 a.m.
​Remove snow and ice off sidewalks, catch basins and fire hydrants
 

Winter is 'snow' joke – but the City of Vaughan is prepared to take it on with an extensive winter operations program! While the City handles salting, windrow clearing, plowing and snow removal along more than 2,200 lane-kilometres of roads and 1,200 kilometres of sidewalks throughout Vaughan, you are reminded to help keep your neighbours safe this winter season by doing your part to remove snow and ice off sidewalks, catch basins and fire hydrants. 

Sidewalks
The City plows and salts main road sidewalks, residential sidewalks, crosswalks, school crossings, paths and walkways within parks and private roads; 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 that 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. 

You are encouraged to report occurrences of snow and ice-covered sidewalks to the City’s By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department by calling Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or by emailing bylaw@vaughan.ca. 

Catch basins and fire hydrants
Catch basins also need to be cleared of snow and ice to allow for proper drainage and to help prevent flooding on roads. The resident living closest to a catch basin is encouraged to help clear it of snow and ice to prevent flooding, if it’s safe to do so. Additionally, if there is a fire hydrant near your home or business, please make sure it is also clear of snow – one metre all around – so firefighters can easily access it in the event of a fire. 

Windrows
The City provides windrow-clearing service to all residential driveways in Vaughan; however, the service does not clear windrows left by sidewalk plows and does not clear hardened snow, ice or the entire driveway. You are responsible for clearing the small windrow across your driveway created by sidewalk plows. 

It’s illegal to shovel snow or ice onto the road – so when shovelling your laneway or sidewalk, or removing snow from a catch basin or fire hydrant, do not dump it onto the road. If you have hired a contractor to plow your laneway or sidewalk, ensure they do not leave snow on the road from their removal. More information can be found in the Ontario Highway Traffic Act – section 181 and the City’s Dumping By-law 103-2020 (PDF). 

Parked cars
The City also reminds you not to park cars on streets when the plows are out. Crews cannot effectively clear roads and laneways with cars parked along them. Removing parked cars from the streets allows crews to carry out plowing operations safely and ensures the City can clear the entire street. On-street parking is not permitted between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. in Vaughan without a permit. However, during a snow event, all cars must be removed from the road. Please ensure your vehicle(s) do not encroach over the sidewalk. Even a partially blocked sidewalk prevents the plows from doing their job properly. 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. 

Stay informed!
Everyone has a role to play in ensuring Vaughan is safe for all, especially during the winter. 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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