Snow Control FAQs

Do I have to clear my own sidewalk?

The City of Burlington is responsible for clearing snow from all sidewalks in the City. Sidewalks are classified as primary, secondary or residential, and are plowed in that order when snowfall accumulation exceeds 50 mm or 2".

Why does it take so long for snowplows to plow my residential street?

All streets are plowed in a priority order. Main streets are the first priority for the City’s winter control crews. Main streets include the primary and secondary roads that carry the highest volumes of traffic. These roads must be kept clear for emergency vehicles, as well as, business and personal travellers. Snowplows will not begin plowing residential roads until all of the main roads have been plowed.

Why doesn’t the City use more salt?

In 2003, the City of Burlington adopted a Salt Management Plan that was developed in collaboration with the Region of Halton and area municipalities. This Plan was initiated in response to numerous studies regarding the environmental impacts of road salt and was designed to reduce the amount of salt that is used on City roadways during winter control operations. The City uses computer controlled spreading equipment, with application rates based on temperature, type of snow or ice and traffic volumes, to control the amount of salt usage.

Whom should I call if my road has not been plowed and I have an emergency situation?

In an emergency situation, you should always call 911 to access emergency services. If there is a winter control issue affecting your emergency situation, such as snow blocking road access for emergency vehicles, emergency services will contact City winter control operations directly to resolve the issue.

Why does the snowplow leave a windrow to block my driveway?

It is important to note that City plow operators do not intentionally block driveways. With over 40,000 driveways in the City, plow operators are unable to lift their blades at every driveway.

The plow operator also has limited control over the amount and direction of snow that comes off the plow. When clearing your driveway, try to pile the snow on the right side. This can help reduce the amount of snow that is pushed back onto your driveway when a snowplow passes. Standing in your driveway and looking towards the street determines the right side. The City does not clear driveways.

What does the service level “snow packed” mean?

Road plows normally leave a layer of snow on the surface of the road. Vehicular traffic further compresses this layer to create the “snow packed” road condition. It is important to note that mild weather may cause this layer to break up, causing the road to appear as if it has not been plowed.

Whom should I call if my road hasn’t been plowed?

If you have questions regarding winter control operations, please contact the City’s Roads and Parks Maintenance Department at 905-333-6166. Please remember that the City’s first priority is keeping the main roads clear. Please be patient. City crews will get to the residential roads as soon as possible. Please wait until 24 hours after the snow has stopped falling before calling to let us know if your road has not been plowed.

When are snowplows sent onto the roads?

Snowplows are sent onto primary and secondary roads when snow accumulation reaches 50 mm or 2” and onto residential roads when the snow accumulation reaches 75 mm or 3”. It is important to note that residential streets are only plowed after the main roadways have been cleared.

Is road salt harmful to the environment?

There have been no findings that show that road salt is harmful to humans. In 2001, Environment Canada released an assessment report stating that road salts are entering the environment in large amounts and are posing a risk to plants, animals, birds, fish, lake and stream ecosystems, and groundwater. Environment Canada has classified road salt as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. The toxic designation means that road salt is harmful to the environment, when used in excessive amounts. Environment Canada has not banned the use of road salt.