Winter Maintenance

How you can help

You can help keep plow operations safe and efficient by following these winter tips:

• give snow plows plenty of space and never pass a working snow plow
• keep cars off the street (even if it's not actively snowing)
• always check winter and road conditions before heading out, and leave extra time if necessary
• remove items such as bins, basketball nets, steel stakes and planters away from the edge of your driveway
• keep children safe - don’t let them play, or build snow forts in the snow banks at the side of road
• do not blow or push snow onto or across the road in accordance with the Highway Traffic Act

Snow plowed from the road onto your property

Our plow operators try to push snow along the roadway as much as possible as they clear the street. Snow plowed onto your driveway from the road is called a windrow. It is your responsibility to clear windrows on your property.

Damage to property from a plow

A snow plow may damage property such as mailboxes. We document all damage and repair it as soon as possible.

Salting and sanding

We use a mix of 95% sand and 5% salt to limit environmental impact and treat icy roads in accordance with Ontario's Minimum Maintenance Standards:

• MMS 3 roads: within 8 hours
• MMS 4 roads: within 12 hours
• MMS 5 roads: within 16 hours

Primary roads within the routes have been determined by emergency vehicle routes and fire stations, traffic volumes, transit routes, steep hills, common gathering locations, and connectivity of road network. Once these priority roads have been cleared, secondary road segments within each route will follow.

Can the Township clear the snow from the end of my driveway?

The Township of Springwater does not remove snow deposited at the end of driveways. We recognize this may be frustrating, particularly for homes near corners and cul-de-sacs that may receive more snow. Multiple plow passes during storms and pushbacks are sometimes necessary for more snow room and effective drainage. For safety and efficiency, plow blades cannot be lifted in front of homes. For the safety and efficiency of snow removal operations, windrows (the ridge of snow left by a passing snow plow) and snow accumulation are sometimes unavoidable, especially around corner lots where snow tends to be more pronounced at driveway entrances.

To completely clear an intersection, the plow must make two passes. First, swing wide into the intersection to reach the centre area then to return to push snow back to the curb line. Also, speed is reduced, and snow is placed at the curb line and is not spread over a wider swath in the boulevard.

Please do not dispose of snow or ice onto the road when clearing your driveway or sidewalk as this hinders our crews winter clearing operations. It is illegal under the Highway Traffic Act and creates hazardous conditions for both drivers and pedestrians. 

Can I park on the street overnight in the winter?

The plow damaged my lawn, what do I do?

In emergencies, it's vital for our firefighters to have swift access to hydrants, so please keep hydrants clear of snow and ice, ensure there's a three-foot space around each, maintain a clear path to the street, and help out even if the hydrant isn't near your home, as every second counts.

Homeowners own and maintain mailboxes, which should be inspected annually to withstand snow impact. We replace only if the plow physically contacts the mailbox.