It’s ‘snow’ problem!

Winter brings snow, ice and frosty weather that may have many wishing it was summer. Don’t dread having to manage these conditions – embrace them with ease with the help of the City of Vaughan!

Follow these tips and reminders to take on the coming winter:

• Check Environment Canada’s website for information on your local forecast and weather alerts before heading outside.
• Make sure to bundle up in layers before leaving your home and avoid spending too much time outside in extreme temperatures.
• Clean snow off all surfaces of your vehicle before driving and adjust your speed for slippery conditions.
• Give yourself enough time to get to your destination or use York Region Transit.
• Wash or wipe your pet’s paws after a walk or use paw protectors when using sidewalks – the salt used to prevent ice can irritate the pads on their feet.
• Never leave pets alone in a car or outside for long periods during cold weather. Keep them at home where they are safe and warm.
• Insulate your pipes near outdoor walls, turn off outdoor taps and keep an eye out for frost or condensation forming. Extreme temperatures can cause pipes to freeze, burst or leak.

The City works to ensure residents and visitors can travel safely regardless of the weather, and there are many simple ways residents can help the City’s winter operations run smoothly, efficiently and safely.

Resident responsibilities

Play a role in helping the City clear snow and ice by following these tips:

• Keep 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.
• 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 By-law 300-93.
• Keep fire hydrants clear and accessible (one metre all around). Blocked, concealed or difficult-to-access fire hydrants can slow down emergency fire response.
• Keep catch basins and culverts clear of snow and debris to help prevent potential flooding during temperature fluctuations.
• 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.
• 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.
• Be mindful of where shoveled 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.  

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

Throughout the winter months, the City of Vaughan is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens, implementing process efficiencies to deliver effective and efficient road maintenance and providing exceptional end-to-end citizen-centred services. These objectives are part of the Operational Performance, Active, Safe and Diverse Communities and Citizen Experience priorities in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan.

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