Frequently Asked Questions

• Why does the snowplow leave a pile of snow across my driveway after I've just finished shoveling it out?

  The plows are designed to remove snow from the road and deposit it on the boulevard. When you shovel your driveway, place the snow "downstream" (right side when facing the road) so your driveway won't be filled in the next time the plow comes by.

   

• Can plows minimize the amount of snow left at the bottom of my driveway?

  The priority of our work crews is to clear the traveled portion of the road. The only place to move the snow is onto the boulevard, which includes driveways. Unfortunately, snow left at the bottom of the driveway is unavoidable and the Town will not clear it.
   

• Why did the plow only clear one side of my street?

  Residential roads are plowed to center bare condition, meaning the plow will create one lane for vehicular traffic. 

  On main roads, you may see the plow clear one side of the street before it is able to safely turn around and return to plow the other half of the street.

• Why does it take so long for my street to be plowed?

  Residential roads are only plowed after main roads and designated secondary roads have been plowed. As a result, during severe and continuous snowfalls it may take longer to complete snow plowing on residential roads.

  If you believe your street has been missed, please wait 24 hours after the snow has stopped falling before calling Customer Service at 905-468-3266.

• I just saw a snowplow drive by with its plow up on a road that needs to be plowed. Why not keep the plow down at all times?

  Each truck is assigned to a specific route. The truck may be traveling to the beginning of a route to begin a sanding operation that is completed before plowing.

• Is the Town responsible for clearing ice and snow from private parking lots and plazas?

  Privately owned lots and plazas are the responsibility of individual property owners/managers. If snow from a private lot is plowed onto a Town street, the property management company may be subject to a fine. To report snow piled on a street, contact Customer Service at 905-468-3266

• When do sidewalks get cleared?

  The Town assists in clearing sidewalks after the storm has subsided, all roads have been plowed and a minimum of 75 mm (3 inches) of snow has fallen at one time. They are completed in a priority sequence.

• Who should I call if my road has not been plowed and I have an emergency situation?

  In an emergency situation, you should always call 911 to access emergency services. If there is a winter control issue affecting your emergency situation, such as snow blocking road access for emergency vehicles, emergency services will contact the Town directly to resolve the issue.

• How do I report damages to property from a Town's snowplow?

  Report damage from a snowplow to your private property by calling the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake at 905-468-3266.

   You need to report:

  • Where you live
  • A description of the damage

  The Town does not replace or repair damaged landscaping items located within the Town's road allowance.