Windrow Assistance Service

This new service is an amendment made to Phase 2 of the Snow and Ice Control Changes, approved by City Council on July 9, 2024, designed to help residents who need extra mobility support during the winter. When snow routes are activated, snow is plowed to the right of the roadway, creating a windrow along curbs and driveways. This windrow can be especially difficult to navigate for residents who face mobility challenges. The service can help by creating a passage in the windrow at the driveway, or if no driveway exists, at the curb near an on-street parking location.

There is no additional cost to the resident to sign up for the Windrow Assistance Service. The service is resourced through the budget allocated to snow and ice control with the intention of creating equity to those who are disproportionately affected by the changes. The total cost of delivery will be more fully understood by the end of the 2024/2025 winter season and included in a program review to City Council.  

• The program runs between November 1 – March 30
• It can take up to 3 days after a snowfall has ended for your windrow opening to be created. If a faster level of service is required, or if you need your entire driveway cleared, you may prefer to hire a private snow clearing company as part of your property maintenance. 
• Windrow openings are created only once after snow routes are plowed.  
• If you have a driveway, the service creates enough space for one car to pass through the bottom of your driveway (approximately 3 m)
  • Excess snow is deposited along the curb of the property or flattened in front of the driveway
• If you do not have a driveway, an opening in the windrow at the curb in front of your home can be created (approximately 2 m) so that residents can access the sidewalk from on-street parking. 
  • Excess snow is deposited along the curb or on the boulevard of the property
• Only one windrow opening will be created per property parcel 
• The homeowner is still responsible for clearing sidewalk and private pathways to the roadway 
• This service not apply to properties on private or non-municipal roads.
• Windrow snow clearing doesn’t clear to bare pavement, in order to limit damage to existing sod and hardscapes materials. 
• Residents are advised that large equipment used in creating windrow openings can damage landscaping features that are close to the roadway – please consider if this service is suitable for your landscape and property features. 

Please read the service details to determine if the services meets the needs of your household. If a faster level of service is required, or if you need your entire driveway and pathways cleared, you may prefer to hire a private snow-clearing company as part of your property maintenance or identify family, friends, or neighbours who can assist with shoveling.

It can take up to 3 days after a snowfall has ended for your windrow opening to be created - thank you for your patience. If you are subscribed to the service and your passage was missed, please call 311 with your information an inspection can be issued and the service can be improved for future events. 

Snow route residents are encouraged to learn about the service and if applicable, call 311 to register. Residents who signed up during the early sign up window will be included in the program beginning November 1st. 

The sign-up window has been extended to allow late sign up throughout the season. To ensure adequate resources can be allocated, there may be a waiting period from the time of registration to when the household actually receives the service. Call 311 for further information on sign up details.