Help keep fire hydrants and catch basins clear

Ensure snow, ice and debris aren’t blocking them

Everyone depends on Vaughan’s essential water and stormwater infrastructure – no matter the weather. That’s why we need your help this winter to ensure snow, ice and debris – such as litter – are never covering or blocking catch basins or fire hydrants.

Keep fire hydrants clear and accessible

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), residents 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 snow, ice and debris are not blocking the area surrounding a hydrant and an accessible path from the street to the hydrant is always maintained.

Help clear catch basins

When catch basins are concealed by snow, ice or debris, there’s nowhere for melting snow or rainwater to drain, which can lead to water ponding and flooding. We need your help preventing this from happening!

The resident living closest to a catch basin is encouraged to help clear it of snow, ice and debris, if it’s safe to do so. When you’re shovelling snow, check to see if the catch basin by your home is covered or blocked.

If you see a sewer or street flooding, call Service Vaughan immediately at 905-832-2281 or email service@vaughan.ca. 

By doing your part this winter, you’ll be making a positive difference in keeping the community safe and our winter operations running smoothly. For information about the City’s winter maintenance operations, visit vaughan.ca/snow.

For updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.