What gets cleared and when
During winter, the City focuses on keeping main roads, transit routes, and key trails safe and passable. We clear snow and ice based on priority. Main roads are plowed when snow reaches 5 centimetres. Residential streets are cleared at 8 centimetres. We aim to clear high-priority transit stops within 24 hours of a storm and other stops within 72 hours.
Your responsibility: sidewalks and driveways
Property owners in Wrenford are responsible for clearing the sidewalks next to their land. You must clear them within 48 hours of a snowfall or when ice forms. This rule applies to residential and commercial properties, as well as rental properties. Even if your tenant clears the snow, the property owner is legally responsible under the Winter Maintenance and Parking By-law 2020-097.
The City clears sidewalks adjacent to City property that are over 10 metres long. If you are unsure who is responsible for a specific stretch of sidewalk, check the Snow and Ice Control Clearing Map on our website.
Trails and pathways
The City maintains approximately 64 kilometres of the Tamsin River Trail System and other neighbourhood pathways. We clear these trails after main roads and high-priority sidewalks. Trails are cleared on a first-come, first-served basis depending on weather and crew availability. The Corvid Creek Ravine trails are natural surface and are not plowed or sanded, but we do clear leaf litter in the fall and spring.
Transit stops
Wrenford Transit stops are cleared in stages following a storm:
- Priority 1 stops (major hubs like the Downtown Transit Terminal and key transfer points): cleared within 24 hours.
- Priority 2 stops (high-volume neighbourhood stops): cleared within 48 hours.
- Priority 3 stops (residential and low-volume stops): cleared within 72 hours.
If a stop is blocked or unsafe, report it immediately so we can prioritize it.
Where to get sand and salt
Residents and business owners can pick up free sand for sidewalk ice control. Bring your own bucket and shovel to the Northgate Drop-off Depot or the East Wrenford Waste Management Facility. We also provide free traction material at the Civic Operations Centre during business hours.
Reporting uncleared sidewalks and trails
If a sidewalk has not been cleared within 48 hours, or if a City trail or transit stop is unsafe, please report it. A Municipal Enforcement Officer will review your report. Repeated failures to clear sidewalks can result in a fine and a City crew being dispatched to clear the area at your expense.
- Call 519-555-0112 to report uncleared sidewalks, trails, or transit stops.
- Use the Service Wrenford online portal to submit a report with photos.
- For urgent safety hazards after hours, call 519-555-0111.
Snow route parking bans
From December 1 to March 31, an overnight parking ban is in effect on main roads from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. to allow plows to clear streets. You must move your vehicle to a driveway or non-ban street. If you cannot move your vehicle, you may apply for an exemption.
Read more about Snow route parking bans and Apply for a snow route parking ban exemption online.
Accessibility and exemptions
If you have a medical condition or mobility limitation that makes it difficult to clear your sidewalk, you may be eligible for a permit. Our By-law Enforcement team can provide the necessary forms.
Learn about City Services and By-laws for more information on supports and accommodations.