Before it snows, here’s what you need to know

Feb. 24, 2022 2:25 p.m.
​Tips for residents ahead of tonight’s anticipated snowfall


Snow is in the forecast yet again, and City of Vaughan crews are ready to respond. The City provides high-quality winter service and continues to collaborate with York Region to ensure streets and sidewalks around the city are salted, plowed and cleared efficiently. But managing winter weather is always easier with the help of all residents.

Here are some tips and reminders to keep you safe and the City’s winter operations running smoothly ahead of the anticipated snowfall tonight and into the morning on Friday, Feb. 25:

  • Keep parked cars off the street while snowplows are out to help the City ensure roads are cleared properly and safely. 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).
  • Remove anything that may interfere with or be hazardous to plow crews. This includes landscaping features, such as fencing, basketball nets, decorative stones, pots, birdbaths, furniture and more.
  • 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).
  • If there is a fire hydrant on or near the property of your home or business, you are encouraged to clear it of snow and ice (one metre all around) so firefighters can easily access it in the event of a fire, as stated in the City’s By-law 177-2016 (PDF).
  • Catch basins should be kept clear to allow for proper stormwater drainage as snow melts – this helps to prevent flooding on roads during temperature fluctuations. The resident living closest to a catch basin is encouraged to help clear it of snow and ice if it is safe to do so.
  • Clear a space in the snow and set waste bins back from your curb approximately one metre on the right-hand side of the driveway (when facing the home). They should never be placed on top of or behind snowbanks. These actions allow crews to safely collect waste and for plows to clear the snow effectively and efficiently in residential areas. 
  • Be mindful of where shovelled snow is placed. It is illegal to shovel snow or ice onto the road under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act.
  • Keep a safe distance from snowplows and salting equipment when driving.
  • Check weather and road conditions before leaving home or work. You may need to allow extra travel time or wait until conditions improve.

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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