Windrow Clearing Program

The City of Burlington provides a windrow clearing program to help residents who cannot clear snow left by plows. Crews clear windrows within 36 hours after snowfall ends or eight hours after residential roads are plowed. This service is available annually from December 1 to March 31.

In June 2026, Burlington City Council approved a new driveway windrow snow clearing service fee model that includes an annual fee of $150 plus HST. The model also provides a 50 per cent fee reduction for eligible seniors, residents with physical disabilities or limitations, and low-income residents. The City is currently working to finalize program details and implementation plans. More information about the 2026-2027 registration period, eligibility requirements and program operation will be shared in September 2026.

Reduced Fee Available to Eligible Residents

The 2026/2027 reduced fee will be available to residents who meet one of the following eligibility criteria:

Are 65 years of age or older
Have a disability or physical limitation that prevents them from clearing the windrow themselves, and no able-bodied person between the ages of 16 and 65 resides at the property
Receive benefits through the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Are enrolled in the City's Recreation Fee Assistance Program or Transit Low Income Pass Program

Online Registration

Login to your Live and Play account
Go to the “Course Registration” tab and select “Other City Services”
Choose “Windrow Clearing Program”
Follow the prompts to complete registration and payment
For more information on how to register online or setup a Live & Play account visit burlington.ca/registration

In-Person Registration

In-person registration is available at the following locations:

Service Burlington, located at 426 Brant Street on the main floor of City Hall
Mon to Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. excluding holidays.
Burlington Seniors Centre, located at 2285 New Street,
Mon to Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. excluding holidays.
Tansley Woods Community Centre, 1996 Itabashi Way,
Mon to Fri 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Windrow Clearing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this program offered city-wide?

Yes. The City expanded this program in 2023. The enhanced program allows for the inclusion of approximately 1,000 driveways. The service boundaries now includes all areas of the city.

How does the windrow clearing program work?

Registrants enrolled in the windrow program must pay a non-refundable fee for the season.
Once paid, residents enrolled in the program receive windrow services for any snowfall that exceeds 7.5 cm, and thereby requires windrow clearing assistance.
Windrow clearing contractors are dispatched after the completion of all residential roadway plowing.
Residents can expect windrows to be cleared within 36-hours after the snow stops and within 8 hours of the completion of all residential road plowing.
Windrows will be cleared to a snow packed condition and will not bare pavement. Residents are responsible for applying material to avoid the accumulation of ice.
Residents must move their cars, planters, basketball nets, etc. away from the base of their driveway in order for the plow to safely clear their windrow. Failing to do so will result in missed service.
Plowing services will run from December 1 until March 31.
This service does not include windrows left by sidewalk plows.

What if it doesn't snow? Can I get a refund?

The program fee is non-refundable.

I have two entrances to my driveway. Do I need to pay for both?

If a property has two driveway connections that you would like cleared, both entrances will need to be registered and paid for.

I’m a windrow program registrant. We just had a huge snowfall, and the snowplow skipped my driveway. Now what?

Registrants can expect service within 36-hours after the end of a snow event (any snowfall exceeding 7.5 cm) and within 8 hours of the completion of all residential road plowing.

Registrants are reminded that they must move their cars, planters, basketball nets, etc. away from the base of their driveway in order for the plow to safely clear their windrow. Failing to do so will result in missed service.

If your driveway access was clear from obstruction during/following the snow event, please call Service Burlington at 905-335-7777.

Registration has closed for the winter season. Can I still sign up for the program?

Late registrations for this program cannot be accommodated, as our road crews require sufficient time to plan and allocate resources for the winter windrow program based on the confirmed number of registrants.  

Residents interested in signing up for the program can sign up for the program the following year.