Winter operations update: Thursday, Feb. 27
City crews are preparing for the next snowfall
It looks like Mother Nature is sending another round of winter weather our way! And our crews are already working hard to clear the way.
With wet snow coming down and more snow in the forecast for tomorrow, the City of Vaughan is reminding residents to take their time when travelling, watch for slippery areas on the roads and sidewalks, and be prepared for reduced visibility when driving.
Here’s what you need to know about this week’s winter operations in Vaughan:
- Crews have been salting roads and sidewalks since early this morning.
- Sidewalk plowing is underway to address the snow accumulation.
- With more snow in the forecast for Friday, staff are monitoring conditions and are preparing to respond.
Your role in winter maintenance:
Managing snow in Vaughan is a community effort. Here are some ways you can help the City’s winter operations run as smoothly and safely as possible.
As significant snowfall amounts have resulted in large snowbanks, drivers are urged to exercise caution and be extra careful near pedestrian crossings. Go slow and look all ways before you go.
Clean snow off all vehicle surfaces before driving and keep a safe distance from snowplows and salting equipment.
Set waste bins and bags 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 buried in snow or placed on top of or behind snowbanks. Crews will not be able to return for waste materials that are buried in snow.
Don’t park cars on the street while snowplows are out. Under the City’s Parking By-law (PDF), on-street parking is not permitted between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. in Vaughan without a permit or when snowplows are clearing the streets – even with a permit. Crews cannot effectively clear roads and laneways with cars parked along them. 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.
The City’s Snow Clearing By-law (PDF) states that you are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks that border your property to ensure your neighbours can walk safely on a clear path without fear of slipping on ice or snow.
Do not dump snow on the road. 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 either.
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.
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 (PDF), residents 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.
To report non-emergency winter maintenance service requests, contact Service Vaughan.
Stay informed
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
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