When snowplows are on the roads, move parked cars off – it’s the law!

As snow begins to blanket Vaughan, keeping the community safe, informed and moving is a top priority. Understanding what plowing involves, when the service begins and what can impact our operations – including vehicles parked on the street while snowplows are out – will help us work together and stay prepared throughout the winter season.

Here’s everything you need to ‘snow’ while the flakes fall:

Plowing responsibilities: City of Vaughan or York Region?

Vaughan is comprised of local and regional roads – the City works closely with York Region to ensure our road network is safe and clear all winter long. During a snow event, the City is responsible for plowing municipal roads throughout the city. York Region is responsible for plowing regional roads in Vaughan, such as Major Mackenzie Drive, Rutherford Road, Bathurst Street, Keele Street and Dufferin Street. 

Plowing involves clearing snow and ice accumulation from roads, sidewalks and paths. 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. We aim 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.

What can impact City plowing services?

• Heavy snowfall (10 or more centimetres) or major storms, including Significant Weather Events. Expect delays when this happens!

• Vehicles parked on streets during or immediately after a snowfall. 

  • Do not to park on the street while snowplows are out. This includes cars parked on driveways that are too close to or hanging over the curb. Under the City’s Parking By-law (PDF), the fine for parking on the street between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. without a permit, or when snowplows are clearing the streets, is $100.

• Landscaping features on your property such as inflatables, decorative lights, fencing, sports nets, decorative stones, pots, bird baths, furniture and more, cannot impede pedestrian traffic, obstruct sight lines or hinder City operations, like snow clearing. 
  • 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).

• Garbage, blue boxes and green bins placed on top of or behind snowbanks.

  • Set waste bins back from the curb approximately one metre (40 inches) and place them on the right-hand side of the driveway (when facing the home). This will allow crews to safely collect waste and ensure they can clear snow effectively in residential areas. 

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.