Your winter operation questions: ANSWERED

Feb. 1, 2022 5:00 p.m.
​With more snow in the forecast, here’s what you need to know about catch basins, windrows, sidewalk clearing and more!

With snow in the forecast again this week, City of Vaughan crews are gearing up for the next winter operation. Here are answers to some of your top questions from the last major snowfall, including what you need to do to help keep our community safe for everyone.   
 
Q. When is the City coming to clear my catch basin?
A. It is the responsibility of the resident living closest to a catch basin to clear it as well as a pathway leading to it. Catch basins need to be cleared throughout the winter to allow for proper drainage – this helps to prevent flooding on roads during temperature fluctuations.
 
Q. Why does the windrow-clearing machine leave 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. The service does not clear windrows left by sidewalk plows and does not clear hardened snow, ice or the entire driveway. It is your responsibility to clear the small windrow across your driveway that is created by sidewalk plows. It’s illegal to shovel snow or ice onto the road – so be mindful of where you’re putting snow when you’re clearing your sidewalk or driveway. For more, read the Ontario Highway Traffic Act – section 181.
 
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. In major snow events, these timelines may be impacted due to the amount of snow that has fallen. Crews will get there as soon as possible.  
 
Q. How long will it take for the snowplow to come to my street?
A. Once five centimetres (two inches) of snow have accumulated on the ground, our snowplows begin to clear the streets. During a snowfall, we are focused on getting the City’s main roads cleared first so emergency and transit vehicles can 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. In major snow events, these timelines may be impacted.
 
Q. Who is responsible for clearing the sidewalk in front of my house?
A. You are required to remove ice and snow on the sidewalk in front of or along your property by shovelling and/or throwing down salt. This must be done within 24 hours after snowfall has ended to ensure the community is safe for pedestrians. 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 they do not leave snow from their removal on the road. It is illegal to shovel snow or ice onto the road. The City clears “main” sidewalks, which are in green in this map.
 
Q. There is still lots of snow in my area from the Jan. 17 blizzard – when will it be removed?
A. For the past two weeks, City crews have been assessing and clearing stockpiled snow. Snow removal operations have been completed in the Kleinburg, Woodbridge and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre areas as well as in select neighbourhoods for safety reasons. Staff continue to assess conditions and remove snow as required.  
 
Q. Some laneways still have lots of snow in them. With more snow on the way, where should I shovel it?
A. City crews are working to move snow in laneways to build capacity for the next heavy snowfall. The team is assessing laneways and removing snow as needed. Please do not shovel snow onto the laneway.
 
Q. Who is responsible for clearing the hydrant by my house?
A. If there is a fire hydrant near your home or business, it is your responsibility to clear it of snow and ice – one metre all around – so firefighters can easily access it in the event of a fire. This could save a life in an emergency.
 
Q. How can I get the latest information on winter operations?
A. To receive the latest information on Vaughan’s winter operations:
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