Priority routes in the city include main roads (primary and collectors).
Winter Maintenance
As part of our winter maintenance program, Public Works crews’ clear city roads and sidewalks efficiently and improve driving and walking conditions for everyone. During snow-clearing operations, vehicles parked on the roadway make it difficult and unsafe for plows to operate. Parking on the roadway is a violation of the Parking and Traffic By-law 150-2012 and may result in fines.
Where do residents park during winter maintenance?
- Park on the apron of your driveway (as long as sidewalks are not blocked)
- Ask a neighbour to park in their driveway
- Use a public parking lot
Once your roadway has been cleared, you may move your vehicle back onto the cleared section of the roadway.
Sidewalk Safety is everyone’s responsibility
During winter, property and business owners are also responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property. Clear sidewalks help ensure safe and accessible travel for pedestrians, strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility devices. Snow, ice, and slush must be cleared from sidewalks 24 hours after a snowfall has ended as outlined in the Snow and Ice Removal By-law (169-2015) or may result in fines.
How will we enforce this?
- Complaints will be investigated by a By-Law Officer
- A Notice to Comply may be issued for non-compliance
- A $50 fine may apply if a sidewalk is not cleared
- If the sidewalk remains uncleared after re-inspection, the City may complete the work and
apply all related costs and administrative fees to the property owner’s tax bill
How do you report a Winter Maintenance concern?
There are three easy ways to report a winter maintenance concern, such as, a sidewalk that has not been cleared:
- Call City Hall after hours at 905-227-6613 and leave a message for our by-law team.
- Call City Hall during office hours at 905-227-6613 and speak directly to a by-law officer.
- Report a concern with photos to our online form below.
What happens when a Significant Weather Event is declared by the City?
- The City will publish a web alert and post on social media to inform residents.
- All vehicles must be removed from the roadway until snow plowing on your street is complete or risk being towed.
- Once your street has been plowed, vehicles may return to the cleared portion of the roadway.
Parking on the roadway during snow removal is a violation of the City of Thorold Parking and Traffic By-law 150-2012 and may result in a $100 fine. During a Significant Weather Event, vehicles may be towed at the owner’s expense.
Stay updated on Significant Weather Events
What snow plow routes are maintained by the City?
The City addresses priority routes first, followed by secondary routes within 24 hours after the end of snowfall, unless weather conditions are severe. Service levels are tied to road traffic classifications; arterial roads are cleared first, collectors second, and local roads third. Road conditions after plow service vary for the different road types, but all will be safe and passable.
Secondary routes in the city include all other roads, such as side streets and cul-de-sacs.
What snow plow routes are maintained by City partners?
Learn more about snow clearing measures on other routes throughout the city, such as highways and regional roads.
The Ministry of Transportation is responsible for snow removal on all 400 series highways and the QEW, including on and off ramps. Contact them at 1-800-268-4686 for highway winter road conditions or to report dangerous conditions.
Niagara Region maintains all regional roads in the area.
Canada Post maintains the surrounding area around Super Mailboxes. If your mailbox is blocked by snow, please contact Canada Post at 1-800-267-1177
What sidewalk routes are maintained by the City?
The City maintains all curb-facing sidewalks, meaning the sidewalks that are directly beside the road (ie. no boulevard). Home owners and business owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks where a boulevard exists.
View the City's sidewalk plow routes here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does applying sand or salt count as snow clearing?
Depending on the weather conditions, sometimes the public works crew will apply sand or salt instead of clearing snow with the blade down. This does not count as snow clearing and you may stay parked on the street.
Why does the snow plow push snow onto the end of my driveway?
The primary objective of the City's winter maintenance crews is to maximize the quality of snow clearing on the travelled portion of the roadway. Snow plows do not have any other place to push the snow except to the curb or to the shoulder of the road. Sometimes this can happen shortly after you have finished shoveling your own property. It is understood that this can be frustrating; however, your cooperation is greatly appreciated in clearing this snow without placing it back on the roadway. The City does not provide services to remove the snow from the bottom driveways.
Where should I shovel my snow?
Please shovel snow from your driveway and sidewalks onto your property. Placing snow on the roadways or public sidewalks is a violation of the Highway Traffic Act.
What should I do if my street has not been cleared yet?
The first priority of the City's winter maintenance crews is to keep the main (primary) roadways clear. Roadways are cleared in a priority sequence, beginning with priority routes (primary and collectors), followed by secondary routes (side streets and cul-de-sacs). The City thanks residents for their patience. Crews will get to all secondary routes once priority routes are cleared.
Does the City maintain sidewalks?
The City maintains all curb-facing sidewalks, meaning the sidewalks that are directly beside the road (ie. no boulevard). Home owners and business owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks where a boulevard exists.
How can I help with winter maintenance?
You can help by doing a few simple things to make the area around your property safer.
- Please shovel snow from your driveway and sidewalks onto your property. Placing snow on the roadways or public sidewalks is a violation of the Highway Traffic Act.
- Keep your sidewalks clear from snow and ice. It helps to prevent slip and fall accidents and it also helps those using walkers, canes, strollers and wheelchairs.
- Remind your children not to climb or play on snow banks as it can be dangerous, especially around active roadways.
Who is responsible for clearing snow around Canada Post Super Mailboxes?
Canada Post maintains the surrounding area around Super Mailboxes. Contact Canada Post at 1-800-267-1177 for more information.
What happens if boulevards or roadways are damaged?
The City of Thorold is not responsible for any damage to plants, driveway curbs or other items that have been placed on or in the boulevards. Any damages to City-owned trees, sod and pavement will be repaired in the spring.
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