Winter Is on the Way. Vaughan Is Ready.
Long before the first flurries arrive, our Public Works crews are training staff, inspecting equipment, stocking materials and monitoring forecasts in preparation for the snowy season. Whether it’s a light dusting or a major blizzard, the City of Vaughan is ready to keep Vaughan safe for everyone this winter.
We have more than 300 pieces of winter maintenance equipment ready to maintain more than 2,200 lane kilometres of roads, more than 1,200 kilometres of sidewalks, park walkways and cycle lanes, and 145 City-owned facilities.
From treating roads ahead of a storm to clearing streets, sidewalks and windrows after the snow falls, crews work around the clock to help keep Vaughan safe and moving throughout the winter season.
How Vaughan tackles winter weather:
Anti-icing
Before a snowfall or storm, we prepare roads by spraying brine on the surface. This proactive treatment prevents black ice from forming and remains active on the road for several days.
Salting
We apply salt to roads and sidewalks to address snow or ice buildup using an award-winning artificial intelligence-based tool that helps operators apply the right amount for each winter weather event.
Plowing
Plowing begins once five centimetres (two inches) of snow have accumulated. Municipal main roads are plowed first to keep them clear for emergency and transit vehicles before moving to residential areas. After snowfall ends, the City aims to complete:
municipal main roads within four hours.
residential roads within 12 hours.
all municipal roads within 16 hours.
Windrow clearing
Up to four hours after roads have been plowed, windrow-clearing units are deployed. Due to the limited size and reach of the windrow machines, they can only clear a portion of the driveway entrance – enough for a car to drive through. Residual amounts of snow may be left behind. Our windrow service does not clear windrows left by sidewalk plows and does not clear hardened snow, ice or the entire driveway.
Sidewalks
Sidewalk maintenance starts along main roads before moving on to residential neighbourhoods. During heavy snowfall or Significant Weather Events, main routes may be serviced multiple times before moving on to residential areas, paths and park walkways.
Winter maintenance is a team effort
Keeping Vaughan safe and moving during winter takes teamwork. While the City maintains sidewalks and municipal roads, York Region is responsible for regional roads such as Major Mackenzie Drive, Rutherford Road, Bathurst Street, Keele Street and Dufferin Street. For a full list of regional roads, visit york.ca/roads.
How you can help
Don’t park vehicles on the street while snowplows are out. On-street parking is prohibited between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. without a permit, or any time when snow-clearing operations are underway - even with a permit.
Clear snow and ice from sidewalks bordering your property.
On waste collection days, set waste bins back from the curb approximately one metre (three feet) on the right-hand side of your driveway (when facing the home), where possible. Bins should never be placed on top of or behind snowbanks.
Keep fire hydrants clear and accessible (one metre or three feet all around).
Help keep catch basins and culverts near your property clear of snow, ice and debris, if it’s safe to do so.
Remove landscaping features or other objects near the curb or sidewalks that could interfere with snow-clearing equipment.
Don’t shovel snow onto roadways or sidewalks.
Clear snow and ice off your vehicle before driving and keep a safe distance from snowplows and salting equipment.
Stay informed!
For more information on our winter maintenance program, visit vaughan.ca/snow. For additional details and to receive the latest information on Vaughan’s winter operations:
subscribe to Vaughan News.
follow the City’s official corporate channels on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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 service@vaughan.ca.
QUOTE
“No matter what winter brings, Vaughan is ready to respond. The City of Vaughan is dedicated to keeping people and goods moving efficiently and safely across Vaughan any time of year. Our highly skilled snow-clearing crews are among the best at what they do, working around the clock to plow, salt, brine and clear our roads, sidewalks and windrows. As we prepare for another winter season, I want to thank the City’s Public Works team and winter operations crews for the vital work they do every day. Your efforts make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents and help maintain the high quality of life our community is known for.”
– Mayor Steven Del Duca
QUICK FACTS
The City of Vaughan provides residents with a high level of winter maintenance services. Whether it’s reducing ice and snow on roads or clearing it from paths, sidewalks and windrows, the City’s crews strive to ensure everyone can travel safely throughout Vaughan despite the weather.
The City has more than 300 pieces of winter maintenance equipment. This includes 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 uses this equipment to service more than 2,200 lane kilometres of roads, more than 1,200 kilometres of sidewalks, park walkways and cycle lanes, and 145 City-owned facilities.
LEARN MORE
The City of Vaughan’s winter maintenance webpage
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