Service Levels & 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.
Timelines
There are over 1,400 lane kilometres of road that require clearing during a snow event and 193 kilometres of sidewalks, which does take time.
- For snowfalls of up to 25 centimetres: streets will be cleared within 24 hours following the storm.
- For snowfalls exceeding 25 centimetres, blizzard conditions, or rapidly changing weather, additional time may be required for clearing.
- Most sidewalks in the program will be cleared within five days after a winter event ends.
- One application of ice control will be completed on streets within three hours of ice conditions.
The specified timelines may be extended if there is additional snowfall or icing during this period. Crews will work until all streets 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: local 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.
Sidewalk Snow Clearing Priority
The City clears sidewalks along many arterial and collector roads, where pedestrian and vehicle traffic is highest. School zones receive the highest priority for sidewalk clearing.
- 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
Check out the Sidewalk Snow Clearing Map to learn more about which sidewalks are cleared in the City.
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