What are windrows and when are they cleared?

Jan. 14, 2023 10:00 a.m.
​Learn more about the City’s winter operations


The City of Vaughan provides a high level of snow-removal services throughout the winter to ensure everyone can travel safely regardless of what weather conditions come our way. And that includes windrow-clearing operations! 

Here is what you need to know: 

What is windrow-clearing?
A windrow is the pile of snow that is left at the bottom of a driveway after a snowplow has cleared the road. Windrow machines clear a portion of the driveway entrance so a car can drive through. However, due to the limited size and reach of the windrow clearing units, they can only clear a portion of the driveway entrance – residual amounts may be left behind. 

Watch this video to see a City windrow-clearing machine in action. 

How long does it take the City to clear windrows?
The City’s windrow-clearing service is completed up to four hours after a snowplow has passed. However, certain factors can delay these operations, such as heavy snowfalls and cars parked on the street or too close to the curb. 

Please note the City’s windrow service does not clear windrows left by sidewalk plows and does not clear hardened snow, ice or the entire driveway. It is your responsibility to clear the small windrow across a driveway created by sidewalk plows. 

How can I help Vaughan’s winter operations run smoothly?

  • Keep cars off the street while snowplows are out to help the City ensure streets are cleared properly and safely. On-street parking is not permitted at any time when snowplows are clearing the streets, or between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. in Vaughan. As outlined in the City’s Parking By-law 064-2019 (PDF), on-street parking that interferes with snow-clearing operations is prohibited. Vehicles found in violation may be subject to a $75 fine or towed at the owner’s expense.
  • Clear snow and ice from sidewalks bordering your property to help ensure roads and sidewalks remain safe, as stated in the City’s Snow Clearing By-law 227-2022 (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, as stated in the City’s Encroachment By-law 034-2017 (PDF). These items should not be within 30 centimetres of a sidewalk or within one metre of a street curb.
  • Be mindful of where snow is placed. It is illegal to shovel snow or ice onto the road under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act and the City’s Dumping By-law 103-2020 (PDF).
  • Help keep catch basins clear of snow and ice to prevent flooding during temperature fluctuations if it’s safe to do so.
  • Clean snow off all surfaces of your vehicle before driving and keep a safe distance away from snowplows and salting equipment. 
  • Keep fire hydrants clear and accessible (one metre all around). Blocked, concealed or difficult-to-access fire hydrants can impede 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.
  • Set waste bins back from the curb approximately one metre on the right-hand side of the driveway (when facing the home) where possible. They should never be placed on top of or behind snowbanks. This allows the plow to remove the windrow without disturbing the waste.

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

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