With the first snowfall of the season arriving, the City of Wrenford is reminding residents and property owners to clear snow and ice from their sidewalks quickly to keep our neighbourhoods safe and accessible for everyone.
Under the Winter Maintenance and Parking By-law 2020-097, property owners must clear the full width of their sidewalk within 24 hours after a snowfall ends. This means sweeping the snow from the edge of the road all the way to your property line. You must also clear the boulevard, which is the strip of grass or pavement between your sidewalk and the curb. Leaving piles of snow in the boulevard can create dangerous icebergs that block snowplows and damage vehicles.
"We want everyone in Wrenford to have safe, clear paths to walk to transit stops and stores this winter," said James Whitford, Roads Superintendent. "Clearing your sidewalk quickly after a storm helps plows work efficiently and keeps our neighbours safe from slips and falls."
Here are a few tips to help you clear your sidewalk safely and effectively:
- Clear your sidewalk within 24 hours of the snow stopping.
- Use sand, kitty litter, or an approved ice melt product to prevent slipping. Avoid using plain rock salt on the sidewalk itself, as it can damage concrete and harm plants in the boulevard.
- Push snow to the side of your property, not into the street or the boulevard.
- Clear a path wide enough for wheelchairs and strollers.
- Keep the top of your snow pile lower than the curb so plows can pass without piling snow back onto your walkway.
If you do not clear your sidewalk, a by-law enforcement officer may issue a ticket. The fine is $150.00 for a first offence and $300.00 for repeat offences within the same winter season. These penalties help cover the cost of City crews clearing neglected paths.
The City's Roads & Winter Maintenance crews are busy plowing streets and applying salt to main roads. Residential streets are cleared within 48 hours of an 8 cm snowfall. However, the safety of your immediate walking path depends on you.
For a full list of tips, plowing schedules, and information on parking bans, visit Snow clearing and sidewalk plowing. If you need help clearing snow due to a disability or medical condition, you can apply for a snow route parking ban exemption through the Roads & Winter Maintenance section.
Stay safe and keep your paths clear this winter.