Snow clearing in Burlington: roads and sidewalks

When will my street be plowed?

Roads are plowed in priority order by classification. Primary and secondary roads are plowed when snow reaches 5 cm (two inches). Local residential roads are plowed when it reaches 7.5 cm (three inches) and once primary and secondary roads are done. The City aims to have all roads plowed within 24 hours after the snow has stopped falling.

Plows may need to go back to primary roads to keep them clear, depending on the weather. The City's road priority map shows each road's class.

• Road plowing priority map

Source: City of Burlington, Snow Removal Plan

How does the City deal with ice?

Before a storm, crews spray brine, a mix of salt and water, on primary roads so snow and ice do not stick. Primary and secondary roads with 1 to 4 cm of snow are salted, and with more than 5 cm are plowed and salted, with sand as an alternative. Residential roads with more than 7.5 cm are plowed and sanded. Below -10 degrees Celsius, salt is mixed with an additive to stay effective.

Source: City of Burlington, Snow Removal Plan

How can I see where the plows are?

When a snow event is declared, the City's snow plow tracker shows which streets and sidewalks have been plowed. The City also posts snow control updates at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. during snow events, which you can subscribe to. In all, it maintains 1,900 km of roads and 850 km of sidewalks.

• Snow plow tracker
• Snow control updates

Source: City of Burlington, Snow Removal

When are sidewalks cleared?

The City begins clearing sidewalks when snow reaches 5 cm (two inches) and aims to have them cleared within 48 hours after the snowfall ends. High-volume off-road pathways are cleared within 72 hours. When more than 30 cm falls, sidewalks can take longer than 48 hours.

Sidewalks, multi-use pathways and transit stops are plowed after all roads are cleared, which can be up to 72 hours after the snowfall has ended.

Source: City of Burlington, Snow Removal Plan

Do I have to move my car when it snows?

Yes, during and after snowfalls, winter storms and declared snow events. Once a snow event is declared, cars parked on the street during the snowfall and cleanup can be ticketed or towed at the owner's expense, however much snow falls, and street parking is not allowed until the event is declared over. Overnight parking in municipal lots between 1 and 6 a.m. is not permitted during and after a snow event.

Source: City of Burlington, Winter Parking