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Snow Clearing

Oshawa uses a snow clearing priority system to efficiently plow and salt roads. During winter storms, crews work around the clock to complete clearing within 24 hours of snowfall. Snow Activity Reports track progress for City roads, sidewalks, and the snow clearing assistance program.

Note: The Region of Durham maintains all regional roads within Oshawa. The Region's snow clearing activities are not included in the report. 

Blue background with white text. Title: Winter Operations. Step 1, monitor, crews track weather and road conditions 24/7. Step 2, anti-icing, brine/salt is applied to all city maintained roads ahead of a weather event. Step 3, plowing/salting, starts with arterial and collector roads, followed by residential roads. Step 4, city-maintained sidewalks are cleared no later than midnight the first day following the end of a storm. Do you have concerns? Wait a full day after the snow stops. Report after 12:01 am on the second day. For snow-related concerns, contact Service Oshawa at 905 436 3311

Winter Access by-law

Failure to clear snow/ice from your sidewalks could result in a fine plus any costs that may be incurred if the City is required to carry out work to remove any snow or ice. View the Winter Access by-law.

Responsibilities

  • Anti-ice high priority roads and hills
  • Salt, sand and plow all city-owned roads
  • Clear sidewalks adjacent to city owned properties
  • Clear sidewalks in the Central Business Improvement Area
  • Clear walkways and trails throughout the City
  • Clear municipal parking lots and city facility parking lots
  • Clear sidewalks and windrows for snow clearing assistance program participants
  • Update Snow Clearing Activity Report three times daily during operations

Check the snow clearing service level web map to find which roads, sidewalks, trails and walkways the City is responsible for clearing.

  • Clear the sidewalk adjacent to your property
  • Pile snow from your driveway and sidewalk onto your property, not the roadway
  • No on-street parking from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. (December 1 to April 1), or during during snow clearing operations (any time of year)

Request snow clearing assistance 

How to help

  • Be patient while waiting for your street to be cleared.
  • Shovel snow back onto your property to improve visibility when entering and exiting your driveway.
  • Pile snow on the right side of your driveway (facing the street) to prevent plows from pushing it back in.
  • Clear snow from hydrants and catch basins.
  • Place garbage, recycling, and green bins at ground level with a clear path to the road.
  • Remove snow around exit doors, stairways, fire escapes, and furnace vents.
  • Drive carefully, allow extra time, and adjust to conditions.
  • Give plows plenty of room, as they may need to back up.

Would you be 72 hours ready?

Learn how to get prepared before, during and after a storm.

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