Your responsibilities
Wrenford winters are safer and more manageable when everyone helps keep our streets and walkways clear. While the City clears roads and high-use public areas, Winter Maintenance and Parking By-law 2020-097 requires property owners to clear snow and ice from public sidewalks and pathways bordering their property.
- Remove snow and ice down to the bare surface within 24 hours of a snowfall ending.
- Clear a minimum width of 1.5 metres from a public pathway bordering your property.
- Pile snow from driveways or walkways onto your own property.
You may shovel snow from a public sidewalk onto another public space, like the road, but never pile it into the driving lane, a crosswalk, a storm drain, or a neighbour's yard.
Where to put the snow
Snow removed from a sidewalk can be placed on your property or along the curb next to the sidewalk, as long as it does not interfere with traffic or block access. For the sake of your neighbours, please avoid:
- Piling snow onto the road so it blocks vehicles.
- Blowing or shovelling snow into crosswalks or onto storm drains.
- Leaving large piles that block access to your driveway or on-street parking.
City winter maintenance
The City maintains roads and public spaces according to Winter Maintenance and Parking By-law 2020-097 and our service standards. Our crews clear:
- Main roads and arterials when snow reaches 5 centimetres.
- Residential streets when snow reaches 8 centimetres.
- Sidewalks bordering City properties down to the bare surface within 24 hours.
- Windrows at crosswalks and wheelchair ramps within 72 hours.
The City does not clear back lanes, private walkways, or windrows created by plowing. If a windrow limits your access to a driveway, you may clear it at your convenience.
Snow Angels Program
If you are a senior or have limited mobility and need help clearing your sidewalk, the Snow Angels Program connects you with volunteers. Simply call 311 or 519-555-0100 to register, or visit your neighbourhood to find a volunteer.
Compliance and penalties
If a sidewalk is not cleared within the required time, a Peace Officer may issue a Notice of Non-Compliance. If the notice is not followed, the City will clear the sidewalk and add the cost to your property tax bill. A minimum flat rate of $175.00 applies, plus administration fees.
Occupants who fail to clear their sidewalk may also receive a fine. Fines for a first offence are $250.00, $500.00 for a second offence, and $750.00 for a third offence within 12 months. Unpaid fines are collected through the Ontario Registry Service when you renew your driver's licence or vehicle registration.
Report a concern
Know a property where snow and ice have not been cleared? Report it to Wrenford 311 or call 519-555-0100. Please have the property address and your contact information ready. The City cannot accept anonymous complaints, and you must allow 24 hours to pass after a snowfall before filing a report.