Snow Removal

Does the city clear all roads at once?

No. Primary and secondary roads are plowed first to ensure that emergency service vehicles can move easily throughout the city. Residential roads are plowed afterwards. The city aims to have all roads completed within 24 hours after the snow stops falling.

What are primary, secondary and residential roads?

• Primary roads, such as Guelph Line, Plains Road and Upper Middle Road, have the highest speeds and greatest volume of traffic.
• Secondary roads, such as Townsend Road, Spruce Avenue and Headon Road, have less traffic than primary roads, but often have bus routes and generally lead to primary roads.
• Residential roads have much less traffic than primary or secondary roadways. Some residential roads are classified as secondary due to higher traffic volumes, the presence of facilities such as schools or hills and valleys.

Visit the road plowing priority map [PDF] to see which roads are designated as primary, secondary and residential roads.

Visit the snow control update page for timely clearing updates.

When does the city plow the roads?

• Primary and secondary roads are plowed when snow accumulation reaches 5 cm (2 inches) and are also salted to assist in clearing the road to the bare pavement.
• Residential roads are plowed when snow accumulation reaches 7.5 cm (3 inches). Unlike primary and secondary roads, residential roads are NOT plowed or salted to achieve bare pavement and periodic snow pack conditions can be expected.

What is "snow pack"?

Snow pack is hard-packed snow on a roadway that develops very quickly as vehicles travel on snow-covered roads. It is the condition that can be expected periodically on residential roads. Snow plows are not able to scrape off snow pack, as it is usually bonded to the pavement. Although bumpy at times, vehicles typically navigate snow pack quite easily.

Why don't all roads have a bare pavement level of service?

To achieve bare pavement, salt must be applied at the onset of snow so that a layer of salt brine is maintained between the road surface and accumulating snow (to prevent bonding). In order to provide this level of service to residential roads, significant increases in equipment and salt would be required with increased costs and negative environmental impact.

When does the city salt and/or sand the roads?

Primary and secondary roads are salted and/or sanded at the first sign of roads beginning to ice. Residential roads are not salted, but may be sanded when conditions warrant.

Why do I sometimes see a plow passing my street without plowing and yet the adjacent cul-de-sac is plowed first?

Crescents, cul-de-sacs and roads with a "bulb" at the end require different equipment to ensure the snow is piled correctly in a limited space. When these plows are sent out, they cover a larger area but service only the existing "bulbs".

Why does the snow plow leave a windrow to block my driveway?

Plow operators do not intentionally block driveways. When clearing your driveway, try to pile the snow on the right side (standing in your driveway and looking at the street). This can help reduce the amount of snow that is pushed onto your driveway when a plow passes. The city does not clear driveways.

A windrow clearing program is available for those with physical limitations. For more information, visit the windrow clearing program webpage.

When can I expect my sidewalk to be cleared?

Sidewalk clearing begins after snow accumulates in excess of 5 cm (2 inches) and only after roads are cleared. Sidewalks on primary and secondary roads are plowed first, followed by residential roads and designated pathways. Generally, sidewalk clearing is completed within 48 hours after the snow has stopped falling; however, it may take 72 hours or more to clear all sidewalks during heavy or back-to-back snowfalls.

Can I expect my sidewalk to be cleared to bare pavement?

No. Bare concrete can only be achieved through the use of salt, with significant cost and environmental implications. Sand or salt is applied on primary and secondary routes only when they are extremely slippery.

Why does my lawn get damaged when the sidewalk plow goes by?

While operators strive to minimize lawn damage, some degree of damage is inevitable. Deep or drifted snow conditions often completely hide the sidewalk edge, making it difficult to avoid turf damage in the plowing process.

To report turf damage, please call Roads, Parks and Forestry at 905-333-6166 or email RPM@burlington.ca . Staff will review the damage in early spring and make repairs as weather permits.

When are the Centennial, Beachway and hydro corridors multi-use pathways cleared?

The Centennial Bikeway, Beachway and North Hydro Corridor are cleared at the same time as primary sidewalks. Secondary and local sidewalks are cleared after primary sidewalks.

What happens during extreme cold events when the temperatures are consistently below -10 C?

Salt does not have an effect on melting ice or snow below -10 C. During extreme cold, sand is used to provide traction on roads until the temperature allows for effective use of salt.

When are transit stops cleared?

Transit stops are cleared after snow accumulates in excess of 5 cm (2 inches) and only after roads are cleared. Transit stops on primary and secondary roads are cleared first. Transit stops are generally cleared within 48 hours after the snow has stopped falling; however it may take longer to clear all stops during heavy or back-to-back snowfalls.

Who is responsible for ensuring fire hydrants are cleared of snow?

Residents are asked that they do not pile snow from their driveway or private property in such a way that covers fire hydrants.

Fire hydrants that are covered over by road or sidewalk plowing can be reported to Halton Region by calling 3-1-1 or by emailing accesshalton@halton.ca. The region will send staff to clear the fire hydrant when conditions are safe to do so.

What can residents and businesses do to assist the city with efficient snow clearing?

• Keep a safe distance from plows on the roads and do not attempt to pass. Vehicles attempting to pass create a safety risk for everyone on the road.
• Do NOT pile snow on roads or sidewalks. This is a violation of the Highway Traffic Act and city bylaws.
• Park your vehicles in your driveway or designated parking spaces to allow plows to completely clear the roads. Parking exemptions to allow overnight parking are suspended during winter snow removal operations.
• Try to keep any catch basins adjacent to your property clear of ice/snow to allow for quicker drainage during snow melt.

• All decorative items near sidewalks and curbs should be placed flat on the ground and a minimum of 30 cm (12 inches) away from the edge of the curb or sidewalk.  This will help reduce the chance of damage to property or snow removal equipment and injury to operators.  The city is not responsible for damage to decorative items located within the road allowance.

How can I contact the city with a concern?

Please wait until 24 hours after the snow has stopped falling before calling or emailing a concern. Roads, Parks and Forestry can be reached by phone during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, Monday to Friday) at 905-333-6166 or RPM@burlington.ca .