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Winter Operations
The City's 2008-09 shared services "Snow-How" brochure will be made available at community centres and pools the week of Dec. 1. It will be delivered to all homes Dec.18-19. View the "Snow-How Brochure" 
The City of Kitchener is responsible for winter road maintenance including plowing, sanding and salting. All roads are classified as per traffic volumes according to Provincial criteria and the City must achieve quality standards that are consistent across the province.
City of Kitchener staff acts as soon as a storm begins. There are a number of factors including temperature, future forecasts and precipitation that determine how and when plowing, salting or sanding should take place.
For more information contact 519-741-2514.
Salt Management
The City of Kitchener is working with the Region and the Cities of Cambridge, Waterloo and the Townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich to develop, update and implement a Winter Maintenance Program. This includes revising policies and procedures that will enable a consistent and focused approach to winter road maintenance with a new focus on technologies, equipment and practices to minimize road salt use.
Municipalities are using new technologies and equipment to help further reduce salt usage including the following:
Prewetting: On-board salt truck equipment sprays liquid deicers onto road salt, to speed up the reaction between the salt and ice, which minimizes the amount of salt bouncing away from the road. Reduces use of solid road salt by 10%.
Automated Vehicle Location equipment: Salt trucks are linked to a Global Positioning System that can record the location and amount of road salt applied to the roadway. Supervisors can review the application locations and assist salt truck operators in developing skills to minimize the application of road salt while achieving the level of service requirements of the community.
Liquid winter maintenance anti-icers: The Region is currently testing liquid anti-icing chemicals that may be placed on the roadway just prior to the arrival of a winter storm. This anti-icing practice reduces the amount of road salt required to maintain the roadway during winter weather conditions.
Assessing the impact of salt on the municipal water supply on four well fields where chloride levels are the highest. This assessment will evaluate the cost effectiveness of different de-icing application techniques and/or water supply treatment option should sodium and chloride levels rise above the Ontario Drinking Water Standards.
Anti-Icing
As part of the City of Kitchener measures to reduce salt usage on winter roads, we have implemented an “anti-icing” program. Anti-icing refers to the direct liquid application of a salt brine. This proactive strategy prevents snow and ice from bonding to the pavement and makes snow removal easier. Because application in the liquid form reduces the bouncing and scatter of salt granules, it also allows us to reduce our overall salt usage and the impact of salt on the environment.
the City of Kitchener needs your help!
Thousands of residents living in our communities have mobility restrictions that are further aggravated during the winter months. Many residents who use wheelchairs, walkers, canes or strollers find the going gets even tougher when it snows. Snow or ice-covered sidewalks can be treacherous for all residents, especially those who already have mobility restrictions. This can force pedestrians to the roadways where their safety is compromised due to traffic. It can also result in dangerous falls.
All residents need your cooperation, but especially:
- Seniors
- People using assistive devices (crutches, canes, walkers, wheelchairs or scooters)
- People with baby carriages or strollers
- People moving heavy or bulky objects
- People with disabilities
If you are unable to clear your sidewalks due to health or mobility restrictions, there are several local agencies that offer help. Fees and eligibility requirements may apply, so call for details:
The Working Centre 519-513-9225
Community Support Connections/Meals & Wheels & More 519-772-8787
House of Friendship 519-742-8327
In 2008, the City of Kitchener put in place a Tag and Tow Bylaw. More important information.
The by-law department is responsible for monitoring the condition of sidewalks
during the winter. Their objective is to ensure that sidewalks are kept
clear and free of snow and ice so that residents can travel safely.
Clear sidewalks are for the benefit of anyone and everyone in our community. Kitchener residents have 24 hours after a storm ends to clear their walk of snow and ice. It is also the responsibility of residents to ensure that their sidewalks remain clear between storms. To report violations or for more information please call 519-741-2330.
Sidewalks should be cleared down to bare pavement and to their full width. Residents should also keep an eye on their front and sidewalks between snowfalls to ensure they remain clear of snow and ice, which may accumulate because of drifting, freeze/thaw cycles, etc.
Staff will inspect properties on a complaint basis and will leave a notice letting the resident know a complaint has been received. The notice will also inform them that they have 24 hours to clear the snow and/or ice. If the sidewalk has not been satisfactorily cleared by the time the property has been reinspected, City crews will clear the sidewalk and the property owner will be invoiced accordingly. The fee for removing snow and/or ice from sidewalks is now $300 for a single lot and $500 for larger lots. Failure to receive a Notice or telephone contact from City staff does not exempt the resident of their responsibilities to clear the sidewalk.
If you cannot
clear your own sidewalk due to health or mobility issues there are
agencies who can help. For details call:
The Working Centre 519-513-9225
Community Support Connections/Meals & Wheels & More 519-772-8787
House of Friendship 519-742-8327
Fees and eligibility requirements may apply - call for details.
Inquiries and complaints should be directed to:
Enforcement Office at 519-741-2330.
Residents Living on Border Streets
A list of streets covered under this program are listed below.
The City of Waterloo will be performing the maintenance for the following Kitchener streets. Call 519-886-2310 for more information.
Waterloo maintains for Kitchener
- Maple Hill Drive
Kitchener Maintains for Waterloo
- Mary Street (from City Limit to Union Street East)
- Herbert Street (from City Limit to Union Street East)
- Hartwood Avenue (from City Limit to Weber Street South)
- Pinewood Place
- Margaret Avenue (from City Limit to Union Street East)
- Esson Street (from City Limit to John Street West)
- Belmont Avenue (from City Limit to John Street West)
- Severn Street (from City Limit to John Street West)
- Avondale Avenue (from City Limit to John Street West)
- Dunbar Road (from City Limit to John Street West)
- Aberdeen Road (from City Limit to Forsyth Drive)
Waterloo maintains for Kitchener
- Hartwood Avenue (from City Limit to Margaret Avenue)
- Hartwood Place
- Maple Hill Drive
- Herbert Street (from City Limit to Pine Street)
- Pine Street
- Mary Street (from City Limit to Pine Street)
- Dodds Lane (from City Limit to Pine Street)
- Bridgeport Road East (from City Limit to Leander Place)
- Bridge Street West (from City Limit to Woolwich Street)
- Westmount Road West (from City Limit to Union Boulevard)
Kitchener Maintains for Waterloo
- Margaret Avenue (from City Limit to Union Street East)
- Esson Street (from City Limit to John Street West)
- Belmont Avenue (from City Limit to John Street West)
- Severn Street (from City Limit to John Street West)
- Avondale Avenue (from City Limit to John Street West)
- Dunbar Road (from City Limit to John Street West)
- Aberdeen Road (from City Limit to Forsyth Drive)
- Moore Avenue South (from City Limit to Union Street East)
- Waterloo Street (from City Limit to Moore Avenue South)
- Graham Street
- Ellis Crescent South (from City Limit to Union Street East)
- Weber Street South (from City Limit to Hartwood Avenue)
- Fischer Hallman Road (from Glasgow Street to University Avenue West)
- King Street South (from City Limit to Union Street East)
- Union Street West (from Union Boulevard to King Street South)
| How you can help keep Kitchener roads and sidewalks clear and safe | |
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Observe winter
parking regulations. Streets that have parked vehicles on them
cannot be plowed. To report parking violations please call 519-741-2330. |
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Please shovel snow from your driveways and sidewalks
onto your property. Placing snow on roadways or public sidewalks is
in violation with the Highway Traffic Act and City By-laws. |
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Keep your sidewalks clear from snow and ice. Not
only is it the law, it helps those using walkers, canes, strollers
and wheelchairs. |
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Please understand that there is no practical way
to avoid pushing snow into driveway entrances during plowing. You
can wait until we clear the street to avoid additional work. |
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Remind your children not to climb or play on snowbanks;
it can be dangerous. |
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Start braking early for stop signs and red lights
and leave extra stopping distance between you and the car ahead of
you. |
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If your hydrant is buried by drifts or snowbanks
please dig it out or call the Kitchener Fire Department at 519-741-2494
or City of Kitchener at 519-741-2529. |
| Did you know? | |
|
There are approximately 574 “2-lane”
kilometres salted. |
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935 “2-lane” kilometres
are plowed. |
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It takes 16-24 hours to complete all snow-plowing
routes after the snow has stopped falling. |
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There are 1170 bus stops that are generally cleared
within 2 days. |
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The City of Kitchener provides free sand for residential
use on icy walks at the Bramm Street Yard (located at the end of Joseph
Street just off Victoria Street S.) |
Q. When is it ok to park on the street again
after it’s been plowed?
A. You can park on the street as soon as it’s been plowed completely
to the curb in accordance with City of Kitchener By-laws. Please remember there is no overnight parking on city streets from December 1 to March 31 each winter.
Q. Can’t the city remove snow they’ve
put in my driveway?
A. Considering the large number of driveways in the city, it is too costly
and time consuming to use additional personnel and equipment to perform
this service.
Q. Why do plows go so fast and throw snow on
my sidewalk?
A. Plows must maintain a minimum speed to throw snow off to the side. Some sidewalks are very close to the curb and it is difficult to avoid
getting snow on them. Please call 519-741-2514 to report these situations
and we will remove the snow.
Q. What can you do to get people to shovel their
sidewalks?
A. City by-laws require property owners or occupants to remove snow and
ice from sidewalks. When a complaint is received staff will inspect the
property and issue a notice to the resident. If the sidewalk is not cleared
upon re-inspection, city staff will remove the snow and invoice the resident.
To report unshoveled walks call 519-741-2330.
Q. Why doesn’t the city plow sidewalks?
A. Budget constraints do not provide sufficient resources to allow for
this service.
Q. I am a senior citizen, what can the city
to do help me keep my sidewalk clear?
A. There are agencies that will provide snow removal to seniors or other
individuals who are unable to clear their sidewalks. Please call The Working Centre at 519-743-1151, Community Support Connections/Meals & Wheels & More 519-772-8787, or House of Friendship at 519-742-8327.
Q. I’m concerned about the environment.
Why don’t you do more plowing and less sand and salt?
A. Plowing and salting do not serve the same purpose - both are needed
for large snowfalls. Sanding or salting is required if ice is present.
The application of salt services 2 purposes: to prevent a bond between
sand and asphalt (prior to heavy snow accumulation) or break the bond
if ice has already formed. The City of Kitchener is a leader in salt management reduction. i.e. anti-icing program.
Q. Why isn’t sand used more often
to reduce the amount of salt used?
A. The properties of each are different and so each substance serves a
different purpose. Sand is applied on designated routes when temperatures
are below -12°C; salt is used on designated routes including hills,
grades and intersections, when temperatures are above - 12°C. Anti-icing ensures salt usage is managed to maintain safe roads.
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