Curb and Sidewalk Repair and Replacement Program
Curb maintenance and replacement work
Curbs and gutters separate the road from the sidewalk and help direct rainwater into storm drains to prevent flooding.
City staff regularly inspect curbs and gutters to identify any damage. If repairs are needed, they are scheduled based on when the issue was reported and how serious it is. This work is planned each spring.
If a larger capital reconstruction project is already planned in the same area, the repair will be completed as part of that project instead.
Repair work typically takes place between May and October. Requests received between June and October are usually scheduled for the following year.
Sidewalk maintenance and replacement work
Each year, the City inspects 1,300 kilometres of sidewalks for damage. Sidewalk repairs are then prioritized based on how severe and how old the damage is.
Sidewalks are replaced when there is serious damage, such as large areas of crumbling concrete, sunken sections where water pools or major cracks, gaps or height differences of more than five centimetres could pose a tripping hazard.
Smaller height differences, between two and five centimetres, are repaired by grinding the sidewalk to create a smoother, safer surface. This work is done through the City’s annual sidewalk grinding program.
In some cases, larger road or sidewalk reconstruction projects may already be planned for the same area. When this happens, smaller repair requests may be completed as part of the larger construction project instead.
Repair work typically takes place between May and October. Requests received between June and October are typically scheduled for replacement in the following year.
To request curb or sidewalk maintenance, please contact Service Vaughan at service@vaughan.ca or 905-832-2281. You may also make requests online:
What to expect during sidewalk or curb replacement work
As crews undertake sidewalk or curb replacement work, you may notice paint markings to indicate areas for upcoming replacement. A door hanger will be delivered two to six weeks before work begins, explaining what work is planned. Please note that these timelines are estimates and may change due to weather, construction delays or utility checks.
If you receive this notice, please remove any items located on City property, such as planters, sprinklers, landscaping or lighting. A second door hanger will be delivered 24 to 72 hours before work begins.
The work usually takes about 10 business days and generally follows these steps:
- Crews cut around the sidewalk or curb that needs to be removed. You may notice some wet concrete residue left on the surface after the cuts are made.
- The damaged concrete is removed. During this time, driveway access may be limited. Residents in the area may experience noise, dust and construction equipment driving through the area.
- Once the concrete is removed, wooden forms will be set in place to shape the new sidewalk or curb. After this step, crews will leave the site.
- Crews will return to pour new concrete. Concrete trucks and multiple workers will be on site during this stage. The concrete will need time to cure and some splatter may occur on nearby boulevards.
- After the concrete has set, crews will install the first layer of asphalt where needed, which may include parts of the road or driveway. This will restore driveway access, but there may be a small dip (about five centimetres) where the asphalt meets the new concrete. Crews will also cut joints in the sidewalk to help prevent cracking, which may create some dust. Topsoil will be placed around the new sidewalk or curb during this stage.
- Finally, crews will return to add the final layer of asphalt, restore grass areas with topsoil and seed or sod, and complete final cleanup. Please note: Sod will not be installed when temperatures are consistently above 20 °C to help ensure it survives. In some cases, sod installation may be delayed until the fall.
Safety considerations
The health and safety of residents and workers are paramount to the City. To ensure your safety, residents are asked not to enter the work zone or approach heavy equipment or operators. If you would like to speak to someone on site, please look for the designated Municipal Service Inspector or City representative. They will typically be wearing a white hard hat. You may also call Service Vaughan at service@vaughan.ca or 905-832-2281.