Sidewalk snow clearing 101

All you need to know about the City’s sidewalk-clearing operations

Following the recent major winter storms, the City of Vaughan’s crews continue cleanup efforts to address the large accumulation of snowfall – including on sidewalks throughout the community. Residents walking to school or work are urged to add extra time to their commute and take precautions on sidewalks. 

The City’s winter crews work around the clock to ensure Vaughan’s roads and sidewalks are kept safe and clear. The City continues to be under a Significant Weather Event – road and sidewalk safety is the top priority in our operations. 

Here is everything you need to know about our sidewalk-clearing service: 

What is sidewalk-clearing?

Sidewalk-clearing involves salting and plowing along City sidewalks and pedestrian pathways. The City clears sidewalks along both main roads and residential roads. 

Sidewalks on main roads are serviced first. During heavy snowfall or Significant Weather Events, main sidewalk routes may be salted and plowed more than once before moving on to sidewalks in residential areas. After that, plows service paths and walkways within parks. 

Who is responsible for clearing sidewalks in Vaughan?

Vaughan is comprised of local and regional roads, and the City works closely with York Region to ensure our sidewalk network is safe and cleared of snow. The City is responsible for salting and plowing sidewalks along municipal and regional roads throughout Vaughan. 

The City is responsible for clearing and salting sidewalks in main public areas, including outside schools and places of worship. York Region District School Board and York Catholic District School Board are responsible for clearing snow on school property.

Who is responsible for clearing the sidewalk in front of houses?

The sidewalks in front of houses and along your property are your responsibility to salt and clear as a homeowner. The City’s Snow Clearing By-law (PDF) states that you are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks that border your property to ensure your neighbours can walk safely on a clear path without fear of slipping on ice or snow.

You are encouraged to report occurrences of snow and ice-covered sidewalks to the City’s By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department by calling Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or emailing bylaw@vaughan.ca.

What could impact City sidewalk-clearing operations?

• Heavy snowfall (10 or more centimetres) or major winter storms, including Significant Weather Events.

• Landscaping features on your property, such as inflatables, decorative lights, fencing, sports nets, decorative stones, pots, bird baths, furniture and more. 

  • These items should not be within 30 centimetres (12 inches) of a sidewalk or one metre (40 inches) of a street curb, as per the City’s Encroachment By-law (PDF).

• Cars parked on driveways that are too close to or hanging over the curb. 

When shovelling your laneway or sidewalk, do not to dump snow on the road. If you have hired a contractor to plow your laneway or sidewalk, ensure they are licensed with the City and they do not leave snow on the road either. It is illegal to shovel snow or ice onto the road under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act and the City’s Dumping By-law (PDF). 

Stay informed!

For more information on the City’s winter maintenance program, visit vaughan.ca/snow. For additional details and to receive the latest information on Vaughan’s winter operations:

• create a profile on vaughan.ca and sign up for the “Snow Information Alert” to receive snow alerts directly in your inbox. Visit vaughan.ca/support for a step-by-step guide. 

• contact the SNOW hotline at 905-879-SNOW (7669) or email snow@vaughan.ca.

• follow the City’s official corporate channels on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

• subscribe to Vaughan News.