How snow clearing works in Wrenford
Crews follow the Winter Sector plowing schedule to keep our streets safe. The city is divided into six sectors so crews can clear residential roads efficiently. When a snowfall happens, crews do not start on your street right away. They follow a priority system to keep traffic moving and emergency services accessible.
When do crews plow residential streets?
Residential roads are only plowed after substantial snowfall and when weather and time permit. The City triggers plowing when:
- Main roads reach 5 centimetres of snow.
- Residential streets reach 8 centimetres of snow.
Once the snow stops, the clock starts. Crews spend the first 18 hours clearing major routes with high traffic volume. After that, they move to community and transit routes. Finally, they clear residential streets. If another snowfall begins while crews are working on your sector, they will pause your street and move to the next priority area. They will return to your road once the major routes are safe.
How to request a timing change
Most residents follow the standard schedule, but there may be times you need a change. You can request a winter service timing change if you have a special event, a medical appointment, or a delivery that cannot wait for the plow.
To submit a request, please provide your street address, the date and time you need the street cleared, and the reason for the change. Requests are reviewed by the Roads Section before the season begins or at least two business days before the event. Please note that requests cannot guarantee a specific time, as weather and snowfall volume always take priority.
Submit your request through the Wrenford 311 online portal or contact the Roads Section directly:
- Phone: 519-555-0112
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit: Civic Operations Centre, 455 Railside Road
Stay safe and help crews work efficiently
Residents can help the plow be more effective by following a few simple rules:
- Remove your vehicle on your plow day. This keeps the driving lane clear and makes the job safer for crews.
- Be neighbourly. Offer to share your driveway when possible. Moving your car also helps the City keep snow ridges consistent along the parking lane instead of pushing them into the driving lane.
- Stay back 15 metres. Do not drive between groups of graders or trucks. They work in staggered formations, and getting too close is dangerous for everyone.
- Understand snow ridges. Plows use a flipper blade to direct snow to the curb. This leaves ridges behind the equipment. Crews try to keep ridges in the parking lane, but they will not clear snow down to bare pavement because it damages the road surface. If a ridge blocks your driveway or a sightline at an intersection, report it through the Service Request tool.
What if snow falls again?
If the City receives another snowfall during the residential plow, crews will pause your sector. They will redeploy to major roads and intersections to ensure they remain passable. Residents will be notified of schedule changes through Service Alerts and the city website. Check your sector date regularly in the winter.
See also: Access to information statistics.
Related information
Find more details about keeping our streets clear this season: