Your snow questions: ANSWERED

Jan. 28, 2023 10:00 a.m.
​Where should I put my shovelled snow? When will my windrows be cleared? And more! 


As City of Vaughan crews continue to clean up in response to this week’s snowfall, the City is answering some of the top snow-related questions received from residents. 

Q. The sidewalk in front of my house has a lot of snow, when will it be cleared?
A. Once five centimetres (two inches) of snow accumulates on public sidewalks, City crews begin sidewalk plowing operations. Sidewalks on main roads are serviced first. During heavy snowfall or Significant Weather Events, these main sidewalk routes may be salted and plowed more than once before moving on to sidewalks in residential areas. After that, plows service paths and walkways within parks. Sidewalks are typically cleared within 48 hours after snowfall has ended. The City clears “main” or "residential" sidewalks, which are in green and red in this map. 

As a reminder, you are encouraged to clear snow and ice from sidewalks bordering your property to help ensure roads and sidewalks remain safe, as stated in the City’s Snow Clearing By-law 227-2022 (PDF). This applies to homeowners, as well as owners of vacant land, industrial or institutional buildings, whether occupied or unoccupied. If you have hired a contractor to plow your laneway or sidewalk, ensure are licensed with the City and they do not leave snow from their removal on the road. 

Q. Can I shovel snow from my driveway onto the road?
A. No. It is illegal to shovel snow or ice onto the road under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act and the City’s Dumping By-law 103-2020 (PDF). 

Q. When will the windrow machine come by my house?
A. Windrow-clearing service is typically completed on a street up to four hours after the snowplow has passed. Please keep in mind these services may be impacted by a number of factors, including heavy snowfall, cars parked on streets and cars parked on driveways too close to or hanging over the curb – which make it difficult for snowplows to clear the roads 

Q. Why is the windrow-clearing machine leaving large piles of snow at the end of my driveway?
A. Windrow-clearing machines clear enough space for one vehicle to safely enter and exit the driveway. This service does not clear windrows in laneways or windrows left by sidewalk plows. It also does not clear hardened snow, ice or the entire driveway. It is your responsibility to clear the small windrow across a driveway that is created by sidewalk plows. Please note this service may be impacted by this week’s snowfall. As more snow accumulates, the pile at the end of your driveway will grow. 

Q. Why didn’t the windrow from my driveway get cleared at the same time as others in my neighbourhood?
A. There are a number of reasons why windrows cannot be cleared at every driveway. For example, cars parked on the street or driveway but too close to or hanging over the curb make it unsafe for the machine to clear the windrow. The windrow-clearing contractors are not required to go back and clear windrows that were missed under these circumstances. 

Q. How long does it take for the plow to come to my street?
A. Once five centimetres (two inches) of snow have accumulated on the ground, our snowplows begin to service the streets. During a snowfall, we are focused on getting the City’s main roads cleared first so emergency and transit vehicles get where they need to go. Main roads, which are travelled more frequently, are plowed within four hours after snowfall has ended. Residential roads are plowed within 12 hours after snowfall has ended. 

Q. When will the snow be cleared around Canada Post mailboxes?
A. Canada Post maintains the area around its mailboxes and is responsible for snow clearing. For issues around mailboxes, contact Canada Post online or call 1-866-607-6301.  

Q. How can I stay updated on the City’s winter operations?
A. There are many ways to receive the latest information on winter operations:

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