The Municipality's winter control procedures adhere to the Minimum Maintenance Standards set by the Municipal Act. As a result, certain streets receive higher priority. Not all streets will be maintained equally during the winter. The level of maintenance depends on the road's role in the transportation network and its classification under the Minimum Maintenance Standards.
Roads
Municipal roads are maintained according to guidelines laid out by the Province. This means the first areas prioritized for snow clearing are:
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high-traffic routes: These roads carry a higher volume of cyclist and vehicle traffic, including bus routes
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roads to vital destinations: Residents and emergency services use these roads to get to hospitals, schools and to travel in and out of the City.
Sidewalks
Plowing usually begins after more than 80mm of snow has fallen and the storm has passed. This time may vary depending on staff availability.
If needed, sidewalks may be treated with salt or sand as soon staff equipment becomes available, and during normal working hours.
Plowing
Plowing will commence when snow has accumulated to 80mm and the storm is substantially over. This time may vary due to the availability of manpower. Plowing will be carried out during normal working hours.
End of Driveway Snow Piles
Although we all look forward to the streets being plowed, no one looks forward to the snow pile at the end of the driveway. As the plow passes through driveways, snow falls to one side, forming a windrow. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to clear the snow left by the plow.
Mail Boxes
The Municipality will replace broken mail boxes only if snow removal equipment makes physical contact with the mailbox. Landowners are responsible to ensure mail boxes are secure.
Encroachment on Roads
The Municipality will not be responsible or held liable for damage to private installations (basketball nets, landscaping features or other decorations) which encroach on the Municipal Right of Way. It is encouraged that landowners remove any existing items that may encroach onto the right of way. Any items that are fixed such as boulders or posts that pose a threat to public safety will be required to be moved at the landowner’s expense.