When does the City plow?

Nov. 18, 2022 1:00 p.m.
​Vaughan crews are on standby to clear roads and sidewalks throughout the winter


The City of Vaughan is committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens with an extensive winter maintenance program. Learn everything you need to know about the City’s efficient, reliable and high-level plowing operations for the 2022/23 season. 

What is plowing?
Plowing involves removing snow and ice accumulation from roads and sidewalks. During a snow event, the City is responsible for plowing municipal roads throughout Vaughan. Plowing on major roads in Vaughan, such as Major Mackenzie Drive, Rutherford Road, Bathurst Street, Keele Street and Dufferin Street, is maintained by York Region. For a full list of regional roads, visit York.ca. 

Watch this video to see a City plow in action. 

When does the City plow?
Plowing begins as soon as five centimetres (two inches) of snow have accumulated. The City aims to plow all roads within 16 hours after a snowfall has ended. Main roads are plowed first to keep them clear for emergency and transit vehicles before moving to residential areas. Main roads are completed within four hours after a snowfall has ended and residential roads are completed within 12 hours after a snowfall has ended. 

What can impact City service levels?

  • Heavy snowfall (10 or more centimetres) or major storms, including Significant Weather Events.
  • Parking on the street during or immediately after a snowfall.
    • Keep cars off the street while snowplows are clearing the road. This includes cars parked on driveways that are too close to or hanging over the curb. Read more about this in the City’s Parking By-law (PDF).
  • Landscaping features, such as fencing, basketball nets, decorative stones, pots or bird baths on sidewalks or roadways.
    • Remove anything that may interfere with or be hazardous to winter operation crews. Read more about this in the Encroachment By-law (PDF).
  • Garbage, recycling and composting bins placed on top of or behind snowbanks.
  • Set waste bins back from the curb approximately one metre and place them on the right-hand side of the driveway (when facing the home) to allow crews to collect waste safely and the City to clear the snow effectively in residential areas. Never place waste on top of or behind snowbanks. 

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:

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