Wrenford Roads & Winter Maintenance crews are busy clearing fallen branches and tree debris from streets, trails and parks after a severe ice storm on January 17, 2024. The storm left thousands of trees damaged across the city, from the downtown grid to the Benchlands and Riverside Flats neighbourhoods.
Crews are focusing on main roads and residential streets to keep traffic moving safely. If you live near a major road, you will likely see mulching trucks clearing debris by the end of the week. The crews are also working to clear the 64 km of the Tamsin River Trail System, reopening popular trailheads at Riverside Flats Park and Benchlands Lookout Park as soon as it is safe to do so.
"If a tree has taken out a power line or is blocking a driveway, please stay back and call 311," said Roads Superintendent James Whitford. "Our crews are focused on keeping roads clear and safe for everyone right now."
Residents who have large branches or fallen trees on their property can drop them off at the East Wrenford Waste Management Facility or the Northgate Drop-off Depot. The City accepts green waste at both sites free of charge during the winter cleanup period. Please do not place large branches or tree trunks in your curbside green bin or on the curb. Under the Clean Yards By-law 2019-113, large yard waste must be dropped off at a City depot or mulched by your own equipment. Learn more about By-laws that keep our streets and parks safe.
The City will mulch all collected branches and debris. The finished mulch will be used to improve soil in City parks and along the river trails.
If you are cleaning up debris yourself, please wear sturdy gloves, eye protection and long sleeves. Do not attempt to cut or move branches that are tangled in power lines. Call Hydro One immediately and stay clear of the area. If a tree has damaged your property, take photos for your insurance claim before moving anything.
Road closures and detours remain in effect for a few high-risk intersections downtown and along Ambrel Lake Road. Check the Roads & Winter Maintenance page for the latest status updates.
For more information on winter road care, snow clearing schedules and how to prepare your property for spring, visit the Roads & Winter Maintenance section.
