What to know before it snows

Jan. 29, 2023 11:00 a.m.
​Keep parked cars off the roads during and after a snowfall so they can be plowed


As snow starts to pile up, the City of Vaughan is reminding everyone to keep parked cars off the roads during and after snowfalls to allow City crews to clear streets and sidewalks properly. On-street parking blocks our plows from safely passing around parked cars, and streets and sidewalks may not be plowed as a result.  

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 without a permit, under the Parking By-law 064-2019 (PDF). Please make sure your vehicle does not block any part of the sidewalk or walkway, or does not hang over the curb – this makes it difficult for snowplows to clear both windrows and sidewalks. 

Vehicles found interfering with snow clearing may be subject to a $75 fine or towed at the owner’s expense. 

Here are other reminders to help the City’s winter operations run safely and efficiently:

  • Clear snow and ice from sidewalks bordering your property as soon as snowfall has ended 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 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 (PDF). 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 from their removal.
  • Stay off the roads during a heavy snowstorm unless travel 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.  
  • Set waste bins back from the curb approximately one metre on the right-hand side of your driveway, where possible (when facing the home). They should never be placed on top of or behind snowbanks.
  • Keep fire hydrants clear and accessible (one metre all around). Blocked, concealed or difficult-to-access fire hydrants can slow down 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.
  • Help keep catch basins clear of snow and ice to prevent flooding during temperature fluctuations, if it’s safe to do so.

The City has a fleet of more than 230 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. The City uses this equipment to clear and maintain more than 2,200 lane-kilometres of roads and over 1,200 kilometres of sidewalks and park walkways. 

During heavy snow conditions, it may take longer than usual to clear City roads, sidewalks and/or bicycle lanes. Let’s work together to ensure everyone keeps moving and stays safe this winter. 

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

​​
All News