You asked, we answered

Have a question about a service in Vaughan? Want to know more about the City of Vaughan’s programs? Service Vaughan is standing by with Citizen Service Representatives ready to respond to your inquiries. The City’s contact centre can be reached by phone at 905-832-2281 (toll-free: 1-844-832-2112), email at service@vaughan.ca or in-person at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.) 

Every month, the City releases common questions received and responded to by Service Vaughan in a series called ‘You Asked, We Answered.’ Below are the top five inquiries from December: 

1. What is a windrow and when does the City clear them? 

A windrow refers to the pile of snow that is left at the bottom of a driveway after a snowplow has cleared the road. Windrow machines are designed to clear a portion of the driveway entrance so one 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. The windrow service does not clear public laneways or windrows left by sidewalk plows and does not clear hardened snow, ice or the entire driveway. It is the responsibility of residents to clear the small windrow across a driveway created by sidewalk plows. 

The City’s goal is to have windrows cleared within four hours after snowplows have passed. However, factors such as heavy snowfalls and cars parked on the street or too close to the curb can delay these operations. 

Remember, it's illegal to shovel snow or ice onto the road – be mindful of where you're putting snow when you're clearing your sidewalk or driveway. More information can be found in the Ontario Highway Traffic Act – section 181 and the City’s Dumping By-law 103- 2020 (PDF). Visit vaughan.ca/snow to learn more about Vaughan’s winter operations. 

2. How do I set out my waste in the winter? 

During winter months, garbage, blue boxes and green bins should be placed on the right-hand side of the driveway when facing your house, where possible. Additionally, ensure bins are set back approximately one metre (three feet) from the curb to minimize the chance of bins being knocked over by plows. This allows the City to collect your waste safely and to clear snow effectively and efficiently in residential areas. Do not place bins on top of snow piles as this can be dangerous for collectors reaching for your bins. For more information, visit Solid Waste Management’s webpage or watch the Winter Waste Collection instructional video. 

3. How do I exchange or purchase a City-issued blue box or green bin? 

You can purchase blue boxes and green bins online through Service Vaughan and have them delivered right to your door, or in person at select community centres. You can also sign up to exchange a broken City-issued blue box or green bin for a new one. Please note community centres have select items available for purchase, while supplies last. 

For more information on waste services, as well as details on what items go where, visit vaughan.ca/waste.  

4. How do I purchase a fitness membership? 

To start 2023, you may have set new fitness goals for yourself. The City of Vaughan is here to help you achieve them! An adult or older adult fitness membership can be purchased online at vaughan.perfectmind.com. Student fitness memberships are not available online as proof of student ID is required upon purchase. To purchase a student fitness membership, complete a Vaughan Fitness Membership Application (PDF) and bring the form to your local community centre to process. Please note, signed parental consent is mandatory for youth ages 13 to 17 years old. For details, visit the City’s membership information webpage. 

5. Is on-street parking allowed in Vaughan? 

By-laws are put in place to ensure a safe and orderly community for all who live, work and play in Vaughan. On-street parking is allowed on any street for up to three hours without a permit between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. – unless otherwise signed by or prohibited by the Parking By-law 064-2019 (PDF). On-street parking is not allowed between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., unless the vehicle has a valid permit for that date, time and location. 

During the winter season, keep parked cars off the street while snowplows are out to help the City ensure streets are cleared properly and safely. As outlined in the City’s Parking By-law 064-2019 (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. 

The by-law is enforced 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year long. Enforcement officers patrol the city issuing tickets for parking violations. Parking regulations may also be enforced by York Regional Police. 

Parking permit applications are available online at any time. Permits are electronic and do not need to be printed or displayed. Permits are non-transferable between licence plate numbers. Unused permit dates cannot be cancelled and reissued at a later time if the dates have already passed. 

For more information about parking in Vaughan, visit vaughan.ca/parking. 

For more information about City matters, call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or visit vaughan.ca. 

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