City crews are starting their annual catch basin cleaning program this week. The work is a key part of Roads & Winter Maintenance preparations for the cold season. Clearing storm drains now helps prevent ice dams, street ponding, and localized flooding when the ground freezes.
Every fall, falling leaves, grass clippings, and wind-blown debris pile up around catch basins. If left in place, this material turns into a dense mat that stops water from flowing into the underground storm sewer system. When that happens, rainwater and snowmelt have nowhere to go but the road surface and nearby yards. The City manages tens of thousands of catch basins across the city, and crews work through the network systematically to ensure every neighbourhood is covered before the first hard freeze.
"We want to keep traffic moving and streets safe when the weather turns cold," says Roads Superintendent James Whitford. "Removing debris from catch basins ahead of winter means less ice buildup on the roads, fewer flooded driveways, and a smoother season for everyone."
Residents can help by keeping leaves and yard waste off the street. Sweeping or blowing debris into the road can quickly clog basins and create slippery hazards for drivers and pedestrians. Under the Winter Maintenance and Parking By-law 2020-097, leaving yard waste on streets that blocks drainage or creates hazards can result in fines. Please use your green bin, paper yard-waste bags, or take material to a Northgate Drop-off Depot or the East Wrenford Waste Management Facility.
If you notice a catch basin that is fully blocked or overflowing during a storm, please report it online. Crews prioritize reports based on traffic volume and flood risk. You can also learn more about how the City manages runoff and protects our waterways through the stormwater management program.
As temperatures drop, crews will transition to snow clearing and winter maintenance. Find out how the City plans its routes and responds to storms on the snow clearing and sidewalk plowing page.