Burlington City Council approves new driveway windrow snow clearing service fee model
Burlington, Ont.—June 25, 2026— Burlington City Council has approved a new service level and cost model for the City's residential windrow snow clearing program, which assists residents with clearing the snow pile left at the end of driveways after snowplows pass.
The program review and changes follow Council's 2026 budget decision to enhance the Windrow Clearing Program by reducing response times from 12 to eight hours after the completion of all residential road plowing.
As part of that decision, Council directed staff to examine comparable municipal programs and evaluate cost-recovery options to determine an appropriate fee structure for the enhanced service.
The approved model includes an annual program fee of $150 plus HST and introduces a 50 per cent fee reduction for eligible residents.
The 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
City staff are working to finalize program details, including registration processes, eligibility verification requirements and operational plans for the 2026-2027 winter season. Additional information will be shared in the coming months.
Residents are encouraged to visit the City's website for updates regarding registration timelines and program details. For information about the current windrow program, registration locations and how to register, visit burlington.ca/windrow.
Additional information about Burlington's winter response services is available at burlington.ca/snow.
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Quick Facts
- In April 2026, participants in the 2025/2026 Windrow Clearing Program were surveyed to assess satisfaction with the program and identify opportunities for future improvements. Nearly 90 per cent of respondents reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the service.
Quote
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
“Seniors, residents with disabilities, and low-income households will now pay less for our end-of-driveway snow clearing program. For a fee, any resident can sign up to get the snow left by the plow at the end of their driveway, called a “windrow”, cleared. The regular fee remains the same while being reduced for those who need financial assistance the most. This new approach helps balance the overall cost of delivering the program for taxpayers while ensuring affordable access for seniors, residents with disabilities and low-income households who depend on the service.”
Links and Resources
- burlington.ca/windrow
- Read the full report: Windrow Clearing Program review and fee options (PWS-17-26) (PW)
- burlington.ca/snow
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Media contact:
City of Burlington Corporate Communications