Shovelled snow does NOT belong on roads

Feb. 3, 2022 10:30 a.m.
​Ensure your snow removal contractors do not throw snow on the street


Winter is here and we are in the middle of another snowfall! To help everyone respond, the City of Vaughan is reminding residents that snow does NOT belong on the road. In fact, it’s against the law to place it there. 

Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, it is illegal to shovel snow or ice onto the road. And that includes your contractors! If you have hired a contractor to plow your laneway or sidewalk, ensure they do not leave snow from their removal on the road. 

As a reminder, you are required to remove ice and snow on the sidewalk in front of or along your property by shovelling and/or throwing down salt. This must be done within 24 hours after snowfall has ended to ensure the community is safe for pedestrians. This applies to homeowners, as well as owners of vacant land, industrial or institutional buildings, whether occupied or unoccupied. The City clears “main” sidewalks, which are in green in this map.

Working together to ensure snow operations run smoothly  

Winter operations are a shared responsibility. You play an important role in helping the City clear snow and ice. In the event of a snowstorm, be sure to follow 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 or at any time when winter operations are in progress as per the City’s By-law 064-2019 (PDF).
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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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