Snow Removal Operations

To ensure that the roads are cleared and safe for motorists and pedestrians, teams are on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the winter season. 

The time it takes to clear snow and spread abrasives on streets and sidewalks depends on weather conditions. In all cases, the City makes every effort to maintain an efficient and safe traffic flow.

To optimize snow removal operations on streets and sidewalks, please limit the time your vehicle is parked on the street. 

Sequence of operations

Snow clearing operations begin when snowfall averages around five centimetres. They are conducted in two stages, which are repeated according to the size and duration of the storm.

Clearing

Street and sidewalk clearing begins on main streets and areas near schools and hospitals, followed by secondary streets. 

During clearing of streets and sidewalks, snow may accumulate at the edges of private driveways. Residents are responsible for clearing this snow.

Snow removal

Snow removal begins when the snowfall has stopped and streets and sidewalks have been cleared. Snow can either be blown onto lots, along curbs or transported to a snow dump. The duration of this stage varies according to the amount of snow that has fallen.

Snow removal by numbers

Every winter, our teams clear some 3.5 million m³ of snow, which is equivalent to 1,200 Olympic-size swimming pools.

For snow removal operations, Public Works crews have access to:

• 10 plows, salt spreaders
• 8-wheel loaders for clearing and loading
• 5 blowers
• 10 tracked vehicles for sidewalks

Our teams are responsible for:

• 200 km of roads
• 140 km of sidewalks