Winter Operations Update for Thursday, Jan. 26

Jan. 26, 2023 10:00 a.m.
​City crews work 24-7 to clean up from significant snowfall


Winter is in full swing and City of Vaughan crews are out cleaning up after last night’s snowfall. Here is what you need to know. 

The City continues to be under a Significant Weather Event as cleanup efforts continue on roads and sidewalks. Cleanup following yesterday’s snowfall continues this morning. Road safety is the priority today – and City crews are actively out clearing the way. 

Road operations:
A full-scale city-wide plowing operation began Wednesday evening with all main roads completed by 3 a.m. Residential plowing and windrows are currently 85 per cent complete and are anticipated to be complete this morning. 

With snow continuing to fall, crews will begin a second round of plowing on main roads. Residents are asked to give snow-clearing equipment adequate space so snowplows can perform their cleanup efforts. 

Sidewalk operations:
Crews began a full-scale sidewalk plowing and salting operation at 4 a.m. and will continue throughout the day. 

Your role in winter maintenance:
Managing snow in Vaughan is a community effort. Here are tips on how you can help the City’s winter operations run as smoothly and safely as possible:

  • Keep parked 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 at any time when snowplows are clearing the streets, or between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. in Vaughan without a permit. Crews cannot effectively clear roads and laneways with cars parked along them. As outlined in the City’s Parking By-law (PDF), on-street parking that interferes with snow-clearing operations is prohibited. Vehicles found in violation may be subject to a $75 fine or towed at the owner’s expense. 
  • Clear snow and ice from sidewalks bordering your property as soon as a 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.

Stay informed
For additional details and to receive the latest information on Vaughan’s winter operations:

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