Helpful reminders to get winter-ready

With colder temperatures upon us, City of Kitchener operations staff are preparing for the winter season ahead. The city clears snow and ice on more than 920 kilometres of roads every winter, as well as sidewalks around City-owned facilities, walkways, select trails and parks.

Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice on sidewalks around their property 24 hours after a snowfall. By working together, we can give residents safe and accessible transportation routes to homes, businesses, and schools throughout the winter season.

Snow removal

The city is responsible for winter maintenance on city streets, including plowing, sanding and salting. The City prioritizes snow cleaning after a major snowfall. Priority one routes are typically regional and city arterial roads, priority two routes include GRT bus routes, roads with steep hills and sharp curves, and priority three routes include local residential streets. Staff work through each priority route after all respective streets have been cleared. The city aims to complete all snowplowing within 24 hours after a snowfall.

To help with snow removal on city streets, residents with curbside collection are reminded to place garbage and bins at the end of their driveway and not on the roadway on their collection day.

Snow events and tag-and-tow process

A snow event is declared when significant snowfall (8 cm or more) is forecast or accumulated. When a snow event is declared, it triggers the tag-and-tow process. Parking on city streets is prohibited so crews can plow snow safely and efficiently.

During snow events, enforcement staff proactively patrol the city. The ticket for parking on the street during a snow event is $80. Vehicles can also be towed if a snow operator is unable to get down a street and contacts enforcement staff on patrol.

Follow the City of Kitchener's Twitter and Facebook accounts for updates, including snow event declarations.

Clearing sidewalks

We all have a role to play to make sure sidewalks are clear and accessible for users in the winter months. Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice on sidewalks around their property 24 hours after a snowfall. Ensure that you are piling all snow from your driveway and walkways on your property, not on the road.

Bylaw officers proactively inspect sidewalks across the city. If a sidewalk is not cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours after a snowfall, a bylaw officer can leave a notice at the property and return after 24 hours to re-inspect the sidewalk. If the sidewalk remains in violation, the City contractor will be contacted for clearing, and the property owner will be invoiced.

Stormwater ponds

As the temperature drops, ice may begin to form on stormwater ponds across the city. Residents are reminded to stay off stormwater ponds that have frozen over, as the ice is unstable and dangerous. If you're looking for somewhere to skate, find the closest outdoor skating rink at kitchener.ca/outdoorrinks.

Overnight parking

From Dec. 1 to March 31, from 2:30 to 6 a.m., there is no overnight parking permitted on any city street, whether there is snow on the streets or snowplows are in operation.

During this period, residents can apply for overnight parking exemptions. Up to five parking exemptions per license plate may be issued, allowing a vehicle to be parked overnight between 2:30 to 6 a.m. To learn more and to get a parking exemption, visit kitchener.ca/parkingexemptions.

Learn more about winter maintenance and sign up for snow event alerts at kitchener.ca/snow or set up a My Kitchener account at my.kitchener.ca.

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For more information:
Shawn Falcao
Manager, Corporate Communications and Marketing
shawn.falcao@kitchener.ca