Keep fire hydrants and catch basins clear of snow

​Take simple steps throughout the winter to keep the community safe

As we enter the snowy winter season, remember we all have a role to play in keeping our community safe. That includes ensuring first responders are able to access fire hydrants in an emergency and that catch basins are cleared to prevent flooding!

Fire hydrants

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), citizens 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, debris, leaves and other yard waste are not blocking the area surrounding a fire hydrant and an accessible path from the street to the hydrant is always maintained.

To learn more about the City’s fire hydrants, visit vaughan.ca/water.

Catch basins

Catch basins must be kept clear to allow for proper stormwater drainage – especially during heavy snowfall or rain. The resident living closest to a catch basin is encouraged to help clear it of snow, ice and other debris, if it’s safe to do so, to help prevent water ponding or flooding.

There are approximately 22,000 catch basins in Vaughan that are critical in keeping stormwater moving. These drainage systems are regularly maintained to prevent flooding. You can help by also preventing yard waste, such as twigs and leaves, food scraps, chemicals and other debris from going into catch basins.  

To report sewer or street flooding, call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or email service@vaughan.ca. For more information on the City’s stormwater system, visit vaughan.ca/stormwater.

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