Winter operations are a team effort

The City of Vaughan’s crews are working hard to clear the snow from roads and sidewalks throughout the community, but did you know you also have a very important role to play?

There are several ways you can help our winter maintenance operations run smoothly, efficiently and safely. Here’s how:

Shovelling

It’s illegal to shovel snow or ice onto the road – so when shovelling your laneway or sidewalk, or removing snow from a catch basin or fire hydrant, do not dump it onto the road. If you have hired a contractor to plow your laneway or sidewalk, ensure they are licensed with the City and that they do not leave snow on the road from their removal. More information can be found in the Ontario Highway Traffic Act and the City’s Dumping By-law (PDF).

Catch basins and fire hydrants

Catch basins also need to be cleared of snow and ice to allow for proper drainage and help prevent flooding on roads. The resident living closest to a catch basin is encouraged to help clear it of snow and ice to prevent flooding, if it’s safe to do so. Keep fire hydrants clear and accessible (one metre all around). Blocked, concealed or difficult-to-access fire hydrants can impede emergency fire response vehicles. 

Sidewalks

The City plows and salts main road sidewalks, residential sidewalks, crosswalks, school crossings, paths and walkways within parks and private roads; however, the sidewalks in front of houses and along your property are your responsibilities as a homeowner to salt and clear. The City’s Snow Clearing By-law (PDF) states that you are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks that border your property to ensure your neighbours can walk safely on a clear path without fear of slipping on ice or snow. 

You are encouraged to report occurrences of snow and ice-covered sidewalks to the City’s By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department by calling Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or emailing bylaw@vaughan.ca.

Windrows

The City provides windrow-clearing service to all residential driveways in Vaughan; however, the service does not clear windrows in laneways, windrows left by sidewalk plows, hardened snow, ice or the entire driveway. You are responsible for clearing the small windrow across your driveway created by sidewalk plows. 

Parked cars

Don’t park cars on the street while snowplows 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 without a permit, under the City’s Parking By-law (PDF) or when snowplows are clearing the streets – even with a permit. Please make sure your vehicle does not block any part of the sidewalk or walkway or does not hang over the curb – this makes it difficult for snowplows to clear windrows and sidewalks properly. The fine for parking on the street between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. without a permit or when snowplows are clearing the streets is $100. 

Waste collection

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. As weather conditions can impact waste collection, leave your materials curbside until they are picked up, and ensure they are not buried in snow. Crews cannot return for materials that were not accessible at the time of collection. 

Stay informed!

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.