Following the massive snow dump from the winter storm, the City of Oshawa has reminded residents and Durham community members that we can all be good neighbours by keeping our seasonal snow and ice removal responsibilities top of mind.
Clear your sidewalk and walkway: Remember to clear the way. Snow and ice on sidewalks can impact the ability of people to get around safely – including pedestrians with service animals, walkers, wheelchairs and strollers. Residents and businesses are responsible and required to clear the way around their property this winter.
- Property owners (residents, businesses and landlords) are required to completely remove snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property by midnight of the first day after precipitation has ended.
- Continue to completely remove snow and ice from your sidewalks throughout a snow, sleet or freezing rain event. If the sidewalk is not completely cleared of snow and ice, the property owner may be fined $75 per day for the first offence and invoiced costs associated with the removal of snow and ice.
- Property owners are also required to remove the ridges of snow from any public sidewalk which abuts their property where the sidewalk intersects or immediately abuts with a road.
- Do not push or blow snow from your property back on to the street. This is in violation of the Highway Traffic Act and it creates unsafe conditions.
- Where possible, pile snow on the right side of your driveway (as you face the street) so that cleared snow does not get moved back onto your driveway by the snow plow.
- Reduce the height of the snow bank at the end of your property by shoveling snow back further onto your property. This improves visibility when entering or exiting your driveway.
- Look for opportunities to assist your neighbours who may need help.
Snow Clearing Assistance Program: Residents 65 years of age or older and people with disabilities who have no resident without disabilities under the age of 65 living in a single family dwelling who require assistance with clearing snow from their sidewalks and driveway windrow can register for the Snow Clearing Assistance Program.
Snow Clearing Activity Report: Be informed of the status of snow clearing operations by viewing the Snow Clearing Activity Report. This report provides updates on the progress of snow clearing operations for city maintained roadways, sidewalks and on the snow clearing assistance program. Reports are updated three times a day and are based on visual observations by city staff and the projected completion times are calculated based on equipment capabilities, temperature, snow intensity and duration.
On-street parking: Parking that interferes with snow clearing operations is prohibited. Any vehicle parked in a manner which hinders efficient snow clearing operations may be ticketed or towed, regardless of the time of day.
Additionally, seasonal changes to on street parking for the winter season are in effect from December 1 through to April 1:
- On street parking is not permitted on Oshawa streets from December 1 to April 1, between the hours of 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Vehicles may be ticketed and/or towed during that time, regardless of snow clearing operations and weather conditions.
- Occasional Use Parking Permits (OUPP’s) are not valid during salting/snow clearing operations and all OUPP’s previously arranged, are suspended during salting/snow clearing operations.
Winter fire reminders: Oshawa Fire Services encourages homeowners and property owners to ensure that fire hydrants and entrances are accessible for firefighters in case of an emergency.
- If there is a fire hydrant in front of your home or business, remove accumulations of snow and ice around the fire hydrant.
- Remove snow accumulations around exit doors, stairways and fire escapes so that occupants have safe ways out in an emergency.
Placement of garbage, green bin and recycling: Snowbanks, icy conditions and winter weather can make it difficult for waste collection operators to see and safely reach your garbage, green bin and recycling. Keep these reminders in mind when placing waste at the curb:
- Choose and maintain a collection area that is visible and at ground level.
- Keep a path from the road to your collectibles clear of snow and ice.
- Ensure collectibles are seen and placed safely at the curb.
Be informed
- For additional questions regarding snow clearing responsibilities, information and resources, visit the Snow clearing Responsibilities webpage.
- For more information, including updates on snow plowing and salting operations on City roads during a snowfall, visit www.oshawa.ca/snow.
- For City of Oshawa updates, visit Oshawa.ca/NewsCentre to follow us on social media, subscribe to news and alerts, and have your say on Connect Oshawa.