When and How We Clear the Way for You

Our objective is to complete snow clearing operations within 24 hours after the end of a winter storm.

Heavy snowfalls of more than 15 cm (6") or back-to-back storms can extend snow clearing operations to 48 hours or more after the end of a winter storm. These situations are generally the exception rather than the norm.

Our Priorities:

1. Arterial Roads and through lanes
2. Collector Roads
3. Turn and auxiliary lanes
4. Local Roadways
5. Clean-up

What this means to you….

• First we clear major (arterial and collector) roads with the objective to achieve bare pavement. These roads are the key routes for emergency vehicles, public transportation and the majority of street traffic.
• Once the major roads are clear, our snow clearing crews move onto residential streets and side roads which represent the majority of city roads. The objective is to achieve centre bare surface condition or better on hard surfaced roads and to remove the loose snow from the gravel roads. In longer duration storms our objective keep the accumulation of new snow at or below the maximums provided for in the level of service guideline and thereby make roads passable and safe to allow motorists to reach major roads. In the case of gravel roads, the objective is to achieve a snow packed level of service.
• All roads within any given classification receive the same level of service from their designated Area but keep in mind that temperature and weather conditions may vary from one area to another within the City. As a consequence conditions may vary.
• When treating icy sidewalks and pathways, crews are deployed as soon as possible after becoming aware of the icy conditions.
• Salt is not used on gravel roads, so expect these roads to remain snow packed. Sand is applied to assist with traction. Roads will be sanded in their entirety at the time of clean up after a storm. Thereafter roads will be sanded where additional traction is required due to the action of the traffic. These are typically the vicinity of hills, curves and intersections.
• When snow removal is necessary in urban areas, crews will begin removing snow as soon as possible after the clean up from the storm is completed. These activities typically occur during the night time hours so as to avoid interference with parked vehicles.