Service Priority

Many factors impact snow clearing operations. Drifting, rain, or a sudden temperature drop could delay our snow clearing timelines. While the City uses its best efforts to clear snow on time, our harsh climate can impact snow clearing.

Street ice control

We will complete one application of ice control on streets within three hours of ice conditions.

Street plowing

For snowfalls of up to 25 centimeters: streets will be cleared within 24 hours following the storm.
For snowfalls exceeding 25 centimeters, blizzard conditions, or rapidly changing weather, additional time may be required for clearing.
The specified timeline may be extended if there is additional snowfall or icing during this period. Crews will work until all streets and designated sidewalks are cleared.

Street snow clearing priority

We salt and plow streets in a priority order that is primarily based on traffic volumes. This ensures emergency vehicle access is always maintained to the greatest number of residents.

Priority 1: major and minor arterials
Priority 2: collector streets
Priority 3: minor streets and cul-de-sacs
Priority 4: private lanes maintained by the city

Wondering what priority level your street is? Use our street look up to find out.

Street snow clearing priority

The three levels of priority for St. John's snowclearing. Priority 1: Major and minor arterials. Priority 2: Collector streets. Priority 3: Minor streets and cul-de-sacs.

Street snow clearing priority

Sidewalk ice control and plowing

A total of 175 kilometers of sidewalks have been prioritized for snow clearing and ice control, predominantly along "collector" and "arterial" streets where pedestrian and vehicular traffic is higher. School zones receive the highest priority for sidewalk clearing operations.
Local and residential streets are excluded from the City's sidewalk snow clearing program. Operations adhere to a priority system, viewable on this map.
Most sidewalks included in the City's sidewalk snow clearing program will be cleared within 5 days from the end of a winter event. This timeline may be extended if there is additional snowfall or icing during this period. Crews will work until all streets and designated sidewalks are clear.

Sidewalk snow clearing priority

Priority 1A: school zones
Priority 1: first side of arterial roads and downtown business district (main pedestrian corridors)
Priority 2: second side of multi-lane arterial roads and downtown business district, and first side of collectors
Priority 3: second side of remaining arterial roads (with both sides serviced)
Priority 4: second side of collector streets (both sides serviced) and any remaining sections of the sidewalk program

Sidewalk snow clearing priority