Winter tips to help keep everyone safe
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Residents are reminded to not park on the street when plows are out
Winter weather has arrived in Vaughan and City staff are ready to tackle the snow and ice to help keep everyone safe. The City will take care of the heavy lifting by making sure the 2,000 kilometres of roads and 1,000 kilometres of sidewalks are plowed and salted.
Residents are asked to do their part, too.
Streets that are not plowed are often a result of parked cars blocking the snowplows. It is important that cars are kept off the street while snowplows are clearing the roads. This allows crews to safely carry out plowing operations and ensures the City can get the entire street cleared. Crews cannot effectively clear roads and laneways with cars parked on them. Residents are reminded that on-street parking is not permitted between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. in Vaughan. As outlined in the City’s Parking By-law, individuals are also prohibited from on-street parking in a way that interferes with the movement of traffic or snow clearing operations. Vehicles found in violation may be subject to a fine of $75.
When shoveling a laneway, remember to not dump snow from the driveway or sidewalk onto the public roadway. It is illegal to shovel snow or ice onto the road. Read the Ontario Highway Traffic Act – section 181.
Here are some winter tips to help keep everyone safe:
- Residents must clear snow and ice from sidewalks bordering their property within 24 hours after snowfall has ended to help ensure roads and sidewalks remain safe, as stated in By-law 300-93.
- Garbage, recycling and composting bins should be placed on the right-hand side of the driveway. This allows crews to safely collect waste and for the City to clear snow effectively in residential areas.
- Residents must make sure fire hydrants near their home or business are clear of snow.
- It is important to keep catch basins and culverts clear of snow and debris to help prevent potential flooding.
- Citizens must 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, etc.
- Citizens are encouraged to stay off the roads during a heavy snowstorm unless it is essential. Residents can also use York Region Transit to get around the city during inclement weather.
- Be sure to clean snow off all vehicle surfaces before leaving and stay well back from snowplows and salting equipment.
For more information on the City’s snow operations, or to sign up for snow alerts, visit vaughan.ca/snow.
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