Snow removal operations require close collaboration between our teams and our residents. Here are some small things you can do to make our operations more efficient.
- Follow weather forecasts for the area and be prepared when a major snowstorm is forecast.
- Remove vehicles parked on the street before and during snow removal operations, even if you are dealing with a contractor for the driveway to your property. If you can put your vehicle in your garage, do so.
- Remind your contractor that the City is now contacting private snow removal contractors by email to notify them of the start of our snow removal operations. This way, you will avoid having to re-clear your entrance.
- Do not put snow on the street and advise your snow removal contractor not to do so either.
- Do not cover fire hydrants, whether or not they are on your property. A fire can occur in both winter and summer, and emergency services need quick access to it.
- Place your garbage, recycling and organic waste bins at least 30 cm (12 in.) from the sidewalk, curb or street. If a major snowstorm is forecast, avoid taking out your bins. Instead, wait until the next collection.
- If you have the opportunity to clear your storm drain, do so, as there are over 4,000 storm drains in the City. We will greatly appreciate your gesture!
- Help each other! Give a hand to seniors and those with disabilities by helping them clear the snow from their driveways or alleys.
- Keep children safe. Do not allow them to play in the snow on the side of the road or in an area where the snowplow is likely to pass.
Obligations applicable to all
- During snow removal operations, snow must be blown or lifted and deposited on both sides of a parking entrance, on the front or side yard of the property.
- Any owner who hires a snow removal contractor to clear his parking entrance must ensure that the contractor holds a valid permit for the current year, duly issued by the City.
Whosoever violates this bylaw is liable to a $50 fine.
Prohibitions applicable to all
It is forbidden for anyone to:
- Transport, push or tolerate that snow originating from a parking area be transported or pushed onto a public road
- Pile up or tolerate that snow or ice be piled up on private or public property in such a way as to obstruct the visibility of drivers
- Pile up or tolerate that snow and ice be piled up on private or public property at a height exceeding 3 metres
- Transport, push or tolerate that snow be transported or pushed within a radius of one metre from a fire hydrant
- Deposit or leave on public property any object that may hinder the City’s snow removal operations
- Throw, push, blow or allow snow or ice to be thrown, pushed or blown onto any public property
Whosoever violates these prohibitions may be required to remove the accumulated snow or ice within 24 hours. If the offender fails to comply with the written notice, the City may proceed with the removal of the ice and snow and claim for expenses incurred.
Damage caused to a property during snow removal
- When a complaint is received, a sector foreman will visit the site to assess and photograph the damage. Minor repairs will be done by the City in the spring.
- For all major repairs, the resident must file a claim with the City within 15 days of the incident. The claim form is available on our website or at our service counters.