Windrows 101

Jan. 18, 2022 5:30 p.m.
City of Vaughan
​What you need to know about the City’s windrow-clearing operations


The City of Vaughan thanks residents for their patience and support as crews clean up from Monday’s major blizzard. With record amounts of snowfall not seen since 2008, crews have worked diligently to keep the community safe. This includes clearing windrows – a service that did experience delays due to the massive amount of snow that fell in a short period time. 

Windrow machines are designed to clear a portion of the driveway entrance so a car can drive through snow left by plows at the end of the driveway. Due to the limited size and reach of the windrow-clearing units, they can only clear a portion of the driveway entrance, and with the amount of snowfall received during this most recent event, residual amounts may be left behind. Staff continue to work to clear all problematic areas. 

The City’s goal is to have all roads cleared by snowplows within 16 hours after snowfall has ended and to have windrows cleared within four hours after snowplows have passed. Of course, factors such as heavy snowfalls – like what Vaughan experienced on Monday – cars parked on the street or cars on driveways parked too close to the curb can delay these operations.

The windrow service does not clear windrows left by sidewalk plows and does not clear hardened snow, ice or the entire driveway. It is the responsibility of citizens to clear the small windrow across a driveway created by sidewalk plows. It's illegal to shovel snow or ice onto the road – so be mindful of where you're putting snow when you're clearing your sidewalk or driveway. Read the Ontario Highway Traffic Act – section 181 to learn more.

Did you know you can play a role in helping crews clear snow quickly and safely?

Here are tips on how you can help Vaughan’s winter operations efforts:

  • 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 the City’s 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.
  • 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 slow down emergency fire response.

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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