Toronto clears snow on a priority system: expressways first, then main roads and transit routes, then residential streets. City crews also clear nearly all public sidewalks once 2 cm of snow has fallen, and on eligible streets a machine opens the end of your driveway after the plow. Homeowners still have work to do: clearing their own property, keeping snow off the road and, for light snowfalls under 2 cm, clearing the sidewalk in front of their home. Here is how it all works.

Key facts

• Expressways (DVP, Gardiner): plowing starts at 2.5 cm.
• Arterial roads and transit routes: plowing starts at 5 cm.
• Collector and local streets: plowing starts at 8 cm.
• Sidewalks and bike lanes: City clearing starts at 2 cm.
• Under 2 cm: property owners clear the adjacent sidewalk within 12 hours after snow stops.
• Pushing snow onto the road or sidewalk: fine of $500 plus a $110 victim surcharge.

Road plowing: who goes first

According to the City of Toronto, crews follow these service levels:

These timelines start after the snow stops. During a long storm, crews may need several rounds. Salting starts before and during storms on main roads. Laneways are not plowed; the City salts them starting 24 hours after the snowfall ends.

Sidewalk clearing

Toronto clears about 98% of public sidewalks with small plows, starting when 2 cm of snow has fallen and stopped, or when icy conditions require it. A full round takes about 12 hours, and clearing can continue up to 72 hours after snow ends. Workers clear the remaining narrow or obstructed sections by hand.

When less than 2 cm falls, the City does not send sidewalk plows. In that case, residents and businesses must clear the sidewalk next to their property within 12 hours after the snowfall ends. Seniors and people with disabilities are covered by the same citywide sidewalk service, so there is no separate application. For extra help, the City suggests neighbours pitch in or that residents call 211 Ontario for community supports.

Windrows: the snow at the end of your driveway

A windrow is the ridge of heavy snow a plow leaves across your driveway. Toronto clears windrows on eligible streets:

• On eligible residential streets, a machine follows the plows and clears a 3-metre-wide opening at the end of each driveway.
• On eligible collector and arterial roads, openings are cleared only when the windrow is more than 25 cm high.
• Windrow clearing starts when the road’s plowing threshold is met, plus two hours, and the City aims to finish within two hours after the plow passes.

Not every street is eligible; narrow streets and some areas are not served. Rules differ in the 905 region: in some GTA municipalities, residents clear their own windrows or must apply for a seniors’ assistance program. Check with your own municipality.

What property owners must do

1. Clear your driveway, walkways, steps, ramps and parking spaces within 24 hours after snowfall ends.
2. Keep the snow on your own property. Shovelling or blowing it onto the sidewalk, road or bike lane is illegal and can bring a $500 fine plus a $110 victim surcharge.
3. Clear snow around fire hydrants so firefighters can find and use them.
4. If safe, clear catch basins (street drains) so meltwater can drain; this also reduces basement flooding risk (see our backwater valve guide).
5. Keep garbage and green bins off snowbanks on collection day; our garbage and green bin guide explains placement.

Major snowstorms and snow removal

After very heavy snowfall, the City can declare a major snowstorm condition. Parking is then banned on signed snow routes (mainly downtown, including all streetcar routes), with fines of up to $500 and possible towing. Crews then haul snow away to storage and melter sites, posting temporary orange “No Parking” signs on streets scheduled for removal. Details on parking during storms are in our Toronto parking rules guide.

Tips for homeowners and tenants

• Shovel early and often during long storms; packed snow turns to ice.
• Pile snow on your own lawn or driveway edge, not across the sidewalk or road.
• Do not park on the street during plowing if you can avoid it; parked cars make plowing and windrow clearing harder.
• Tenants: your lease usually states who clears walkways and steps; check it and ask your landlord in writing if it is unclear.

Reporting a problem

Contact 311 (online, app or phone) to report:

• a road, sidewalk or bike lane that was missed after the service timeline;
• a property owner who has not cleared their property or is pushing snow onto the road;
• icy conditions at a transit stop or crossing.

During large storms, the City may hold service requests until crews have finished their first rounds, so check the City’s winter operations updates first.

Getting around after a storm

Roads and sidewalks can take a day or more to clear after a big storm. Transit is usually the safest option: see our TTC guide. Once the streets are clear, the season has plenty to offer; see our things to do in Toronto in winter.

FAQ

Does the City clear my sidewalk if 1 cm falls?

No. Under 2 cm, the property owner must clear the adjacent sidewalk within 12 hours after snow stops.

The plow blocked my driveway again. Will the City come back?

On eligible streets, the windrow machine follows the plow. If your street was plowed and the opening was not cleared, report it to 311 after the service timeline.

Can I put snow on the boulevard?

Keep snow on your own property. Placing it on the road, sidewalk or bike lane is illegal.

Last updated: November 2026