What to expect when snow falls
When winter weather hits, our crews work around the clock to keep Wrenford moving safely. We use a priority system to clear snow and treat roads for ice. Your patience helps us keep traffic flowing while we work through the city sector by sector.
How we clear roads
Crews focus on the busiest streets first. Main roads are plowed when there is 5 centimetres of snow. These include arterials like Benchlands Drive, Northgate Boulevard, and Ambrel Lake Road, as well as roads with heavy transit and school routes.
Residential streets are plowed when a single snowfall reaches 8 centimetres. The city is divided into sectors so crews can work efficiently. To help us plow your street faster, please park in your driveway or garage during a snow event. When possible, we will also clear alleys that see garbage and recycling pickup.
Snow ridges and alleys
You may notice snow ridges left along the curb after plowing. This is normal. We use special plows with flippers to keep ridges out of intersections and driveways. We leave the snow in the parking lane rather than clearing it down to bare pavement, which protects the road surface and the sidewalk edge. If a ridge is blocking your driveway or a crosswalk, report it to us and we will address it.
Sidewalk and pathway clearing
The City clears high-use pathways, bus stops, and sidewalks bordering City-owned properties. For the rest of the neighbourhood, clearing snow and ice from the sidewalk next to your property is your responsibility as the owner or occupant. Under the Winter Maintenance and Parking By-law 2020-097, you must clear the sidewalk within 24 hours after snowfall stops. Business owners and multi-unit buildings have 48 hours. Store cleared snow on your own property, not on the street or sidewalk. Failing to clear your sidewalk can lead to escalating fines. Read the full by-law text
Snow routes and parking bans
During heavy snow events, we may declare a Snow Route. This gives us a 24-hour window to plow without parked cars blocking the way. An overnight on-street parking ban runs from December 1 to March 31, between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on main roads. Please move your vehicle during these times so crews can work safely.
Need help or want to report an issue?
If a snow ridge is blocking your driveway, or if you need to report a safety hazard caused by ice or snow, call the Civic Operations Centre at 519-555-0112. For after-hours emergencies, call 519-555-0111. You can also report road concerns online.