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Updated February 15, 2008
Frequently asked questions
What is the City’s plan to address snow removal from Toronto’s streets?
The City’s goal is to ensure roads are safe and accessible for people to walk, bike and drive on, and to allow emergency vehicles to get through. The City has already removed snow from expressways, major roads, bike lanes, dead end streets and commercial areas. The City is expanding its snow removal operations to narrow local streets in order to better meet these objectives. The City’s snow removal plan is based on the following priorities:
- streetcar routes
- arterial roads
- other locations (including school areas, and cul de sacs/dead end streets)
- narrow local streets (particularly those with on-street parking)
- other local streets and selected public lanes
When will the snow removal efforts begin?
Snow removal efforts began in early February (Feb. 8) for expressways, major roads, bike lanes, dead end streets and commercial areas. Early this week the City began snow removal operations on local streets. We are now ramping up our snow removal efforts with additional crews.
What kind of equipment will be used? How many vehicles/machines and staff?
The City has 83 crews that will be working 24/7 (there are typically 20 crews in operation). Crews will be equipped with snow blowers, front end loaders and bobcats. In addition, 500-600 dump trucks will be used to haul the snow away to disposal sites. The City also has two mobile snow-melters.
How long will it take the City to remove the snow?
Snow removal work on local streets is expected to take between 10-14 days, depending on additional snow events.
What time of day will the snow removal occur?
Snow removal work on local streets will mostly be carried out between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., and some evenings (snow clearing on main roads occurs 24/7).
How will residents be notified about when their street will be cleared?
Signs will be posted on streets that are targeted for snow removal. The snow website (www.toronto.ca/snow) will also be updated regularly.
How much notice will residents be given?
Signs will be posted on targeted streets 24-48 hours in advance of snow removal activities. The City’s website (www.toronto.ca/snow) will also provide up-to-date information about the status of streets that will receive snow removal.
What can residents do to help?
The City requires co-operation from residents to ensure the snow removal efforts are carried out effectively. Affected residents are asked to ensure their vehicles are not parked on streets that have parking on both sides. Residents can also help by telling a neighbour to move his or her car if they see City crews in the area. In addition, residents can also do their part by ensuring snow is shovelled on to private property and not back on the street.
Can the work still be carried out if vehicles aren’t moved? What happens if vehicles aren’t moved?
Co-operation from residents is key to making the City’s snow removal operation a success. Streets that allow parking on both sides must be clear of vehicles in order for the snow removal work to be carried out. A “friendly” tow will relocate any vehicles that have been left on the street. Vehicles on streets where parking is permitted on one side of the road will not be towed – snow removal will occur on the side of the street that doesn’t have any parked vehicles. However, if residents choose to move their parked vehicles, the City will attempt to remove the snow from both sides as much as possible. If residents are able to move their vehicles, everyone will benefit further from better parking and driving conditions.
What is a “friendly” tow?
"Friendly" tows will only occur on streets that allow parking on both sides of the street (only about 5 per cent of the targeted streets allow parking on both sides). A "friendly" tow means residents will not be ticketed or fined, or have their vehicles towed to an impound lot. The Police will help co-ordinate the "friendly" tows. If your vehicle has been towed, it will be relocated to a location as nearby as possible (ie. around the corner). Residents can call 416-808-2222 to confirm if their vehicle has been relocated.
Is there a telephone number or website that residents can call or visit that will have more information about whether their street will be cleared?
Residents can check www.toronto.ca/snow or call Access Toronto at 416-338-0338 for more information about the City’s enhanced snow removal efforts, including a list of streets that will be targeted.
What are the bylaws around sidewalk snow clearing?
Property owners are required to clear snow and ice from their sidewalks within 12 hours of the end of a snowfall.
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