Does the City clear all roads at once?
No. Roads are plowed based on traffic volume, with the roads with the highest traffic volume receiving the highest level of service. Snow plow operators clear all roads as efficiently as possible. When there is a heavy snowfall or winter events back to back, it may take longer to clear the roads.
When does the City provide winter maintenance?
The City deploys resources to maintain roads based on the Council-approved Winter Maintenance Level of Service Policy for roads.
The City deploys resources to maintain sidewalks based on the Council-approved Winter Maintenance Level of Service Policy for sidewalks.
What is bare pavement level of service?
To achieve bare pavement, treatment must be applied at the onset of snow so that a layer of brine is maintained between the road surface and accumulating snow to prevent bonding. Providing this level of service to residential roads would cause significant increases to equipment and salt requirements. This would increase costs and have a negative environmental impact.
We have a Salt Management plan to manage salt use and minimize environmental impacts. You can learn more about road salts on the Environment Canada website.
What is 'snow pack'?
Snow pack is hard-packed snow on a roadway. It is the condition that can be expected on gravel roads. Snow pack develops very quickly as vehicles travel on snow-covered roads. Snow plows are not able to scrape off snow pack as it is usually bonded to the gravel or pavement.
Although bumpy at times, vehicles typically navigate snow pack quite easily. The City takes steps to improve conditions when needed.
Why does the snow plow leave a windrow to block my driveway?
The City does not clear driveways.
Those needing assistance to clear snow from driveways can seek the support of their neighbours, or contact a local contractor.
The plow operator also has limited control over the amount and direction of snow that comes off the plow.
When clearing your driveway, snow should be piled on private property and avoid shoveling snow into the ditch to allow for drainage during melting as per By-Law 2015-201. This can also help reduce the amount of snow that is pushed onto your driveway when a snow plow passes.
When can I expect my sidewalk to be cleared?
We usually complete sidewalk clearing within 48 hours after the end of the storm. If there is heavy snowfall, or back to back winter events it will take longer to clear all sidewalks.
Why does my lawn get damaged when the sidewalk plow goes by?
While operators strive to minimize sod damage, some degree of damage is inevitable. When snow fall occurs it can hide sidewalks and road edges and make them difficult to see in the dark or deep and drifted snow conditions. Residents that experience damage resulting from sidewalk operations can log the concern with the City and remediation, where required, will be planned when conditions and resources permit.
