Vaughan declares a Significant Weather Event
Take extra precautions and drive safely
The City of Vaughan has declared a Significant Weather Event effective Sunday, Jan. 25 at 7 a.m. based on the winter storm warning issued by Environment Canada. Conditions are favourable for the development of 15 to 30 centimetres (six to 12 inches) of snow, wind gusts up to 50 kilometres per hour and reduced visibility today.
Due to the forecasted conditions, it may take longer than usual to clear City roads, sidewalks, bicycle lanes and around facilities. Staff will continue to monitor weather forecasts and make the necessary decisions and adjustments to operations.
Vaughan has a fleet of more than 230 vehicles – including salter/snowplow units, windrow machines, sidewalk machines, pickup trucks equipped with plows and salters, cul-de-sac-clearing machines and anti-icing units – to ensure residents are provided with high-quality winter services.
The City is encouraging drivers to be cautious and adjust their driving according to changing road conditions and visibility. The buildup of ice on surfaces can create unsafe conditions, such as slippery sidewalks and roads. Power outages may occur. Take all necessary precautions, including avoiding unnecessary travel and taking frequent breaks when shovelling snow to avoid overexertion.
A Significant Weather Event is defined as an approaching or occurring weather hazard with the potential to pose a significant danger to users of the highways within a municipality. Examples of severe weather include freezing rain, significant snowfall, blowing snow and reduced visibility. The Ontario Regulation 239/02, Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways allows municipalities to declare a Significant Weather Event when Environment Canada issues a weather alert and when that weather hazard has the potential to pose a significant danger to users of the highways which they have authority over.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Help winter operations run effectively and efficiently by following these tips:
Don’t park cars on the street while winter operations vehicles are out to help the City clear streets properly and safely. 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 (PDF), on-street parking that interferes with snow-clearing operations is prohibited.
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 (PDF).
On waste collection days, 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 impede emergency fire response.
Help keep catch basins and culverts clear of snow, ice and debris to prevent potential flooding during temperature fluctuations, if it’s safe to do so.
Remove anything from your property that may interfere with or be hazardous to plow crews. This includes landscaping features, such as fencing, decorative stones, pots, bird baths, furniture and more, as stated in the City’s Road Allowance By-law (PDF). These items should not be within 30 centimetres (12 inches) of a sidewalk or one metre (40 inches) of a street curb.
Don’t shovel snow on the road. 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).
Clean snow off all vehicle surfaces before driving and keep a safe distance from snowplows and salting equipment.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information on the City’s winter maintenance program, visit vaughan.ca/snow. For additional details and to receive the latest information on Vaughan’s winter operations:
create a profile on vaughan.ca and sign up for the “Snow Information Alert” to receive snow alerts directly in your inbox. Visit vaughan.ca/support for a step-by-step guide.
contact the SNOW hotline at 905-879-SNOW (7669) or email snow@vaughan.ca.
follow the City’s official corporate channels on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
subscribe to Vaughan News.
