Starting today, January 25, 2024, crews with the City of Wrenford's Roads & Winter Maintenance team will begin inspecting the city's storm drains and catch basins. This annual winter program makes sure your neighbourhood drains properly when the snow melts and spring rains arrive. Learn more on the Roads & Winter Maintenance page.
Over the next several weeks, crews will travel through all six winter sectors. They will check every catch basin for ice, leaves, and debris that might block the flow. If a basin is frozen solid, the crew will use steam equipment to thaw it out. This thawing service is part of the City's commitment to keeping streets clear of standing water and preventing basement backups. You can read about how these basins work on the Street drainage and catch basins page.
You can help by keeping your street curbs and storm drains clear of snow piles, leaves, and trash. Please do not put yard waste, pet waste, or litter into the street. If you notice a catch basin that is still blocked or a street that is flooding after a rainstorm, report it online or call 311. Our crews review these reports within two business days and visit the site to clear the blockage. Use the Report a drainage or flooding issue form to get help quickly.
"Clear drains mean safer streets and fewer flooded basements when the thaw hits," says James Whitford, Roads Superintendent. "We are asking residents to keep debris out of the storm system so our crews can focus on the basins that need the most attention."
The City also asks drivers to follow the Winter Maintenance and Parking By-law 2020-097 snow route parking ban during clearing operations. Parked cars block the access our maintenance trucks need to sweep streets and clear drains quickly.
For more information on how the City manages stormwater and keeps our streets safe, visit the Roads & Winter Maintenance section of our website. You can also subscribe to service alerts to get updates on route changes and weather-related closures.