Vaughan declares a Significant Weather Event

Feb. 16, 2022 9:40 p.m.
​Take extra precautions, drive safely and avoid unnecessary travel 


The City of Vaughan has declared a Significant Weather Event starting Wednesday, Feb. 16, based on a Snowfall Warning issued by Environment Canada. Conditions are favourable for 10 to 20 centimetres of snow beginning  in the afternoon on Thursday, Feb. 17. The City is encouraging drivers to be cautious and adjust their driving according to changing weather conditions. Take all necessary precautions, including avoiding unnecessary travel and taking frequent breaks when shovelling snow to avoid overexertion.

The City has a fleet of more than 100 vehicles – including salter/snowplow units, windrow machines, sidewalk machines, pickup trucks equipped with plows and salters, cul-de-sac-clearing machines and anti-icing units – to ensure citizens are provided with high-quality winter services.

Due to heavy snow conditions, it may take longer than usual to clear City roads, sidewalks and/or bicycle lanes. Staff will continue to monitor weather forecasts and make the necessary decisions and adjustments to operations.

A Significant Weather Event is defined as an approaching or occurring weather hazard with the potential to pose a significant danger to users of the highways within a municipality. Examples of severe weather include freezing rain, significant snowfall, blowing snow and reduced visibility. The Ontario Regulation 239/02, Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways allows municipalities to declare a Significant Weather Event when Environment Canada issues a weather alert and when that weather hazard has the potential to pose a significant danger to users of the highways which they have authority over.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Help the City’s winter operations run effectively and efficiently by following these tips:

  • Keep cars off the street while snowplows are out to assist the City in ensuring streets 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 By-law 300-93 (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, bird baths, furniture and more.
  • Be mindful of where snow is placed. It is illegal to shovel snow or ice onto the road under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act.
  • Stay off the roads during a heavy snowstorm unless it is essential. You can also use York Region Transit to get around the city during inclement weather.
  • Clean snow off all surfaces of your vehicle before driving and keep a safe distance away from snowplows and salting equipment.  

MORE INFORMATION

For additional details and to receive the latest information on Vaughan’s winter operations:

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