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Winter road and sidewalk clearing in Windsor
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Windsor, Ontario, Canada: Windsor residents must clear sidewalks beside their property within 12 hours after snowfall ends. Commercial sidewalks have a four-hour dead
Key information
Windsor residents must clear sidewalks beside their property within 12 hours after snowfall ends. Commercial sidewalks have a four-hour deadline. Do not shovel driveway or sidewalk snow back onto the road.
On this page
Sidewalk responsibilities
Property-side sidewalks are the resident’s responsibility. Clear the whole sidewalk so people using mobility aids can pass. The city gives a 12-hour residential deadline and a four-hour commercial deadline after snowfall ends.
Moving cleared snow onto the street creates unsafe road conditions and is prohibited. Keep the cleared route usable rather than making a narrow path through deep snow.
City road plowing priorities
The city’s winter reminder says plowing begins when snow reaches five centimetres. An average main-road route takes three to six hours after snow stops, depending on traffic and time of day.
Residential streets are considered after main roads are clear and only when more than ten centimetres has fallen. This is not a guarantee that every residential street is cleared during a smaller snowfall.
Travel and help
Give plows space. They generally work at about 40 km/h and throw snow and debris. Following closely can reduce visibility. Bridges and overpasses can freeze faster because cold air reaches both sides.
The city’s Snow Angels program uses volunteers to help with snow removal. Follow the current city program link to ask about available help or volunteering; this guide does not promise an available match.
Compare the key details
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Residential sidewalk | Clear within 12 hours after snowfall ends |
| Commercial sidewalk | Clear within four hours |
| Initial plowing trigger | Five centimetres of snow |
| Residential road condition | Main roads clear first; more than ten centimetres fallen |
What to do next
- Wait for snowfall to end
The sidewalk deadline is tied to the end of snowfall.
- Clear the full walkway
Keep room for mobility aids; keep snow off the street.
- Report a municipal concern
Contact 311 for city service questions.
Useful questions and answers
Who clears the sidewalk beside my house?
The resident is responsible for sidewalks abutting the property.
What is the residential deadline?
Within 12 hours after snowfall ends.
Is a shop’s deadline also 12 hours?
No. Commercial sidewalks must be cleared within four hours.
Can I push driveway snow onto the road?
No. The city prohibits shovelling cleared snow back onto the street.
When does road plowing start?
The city reminder gives five centimetres as the start threshold.
Are residential streets plowed during every snowfall?
No. The reminder says they follow main roads and only when more than ten centimetres has fallen.
How long does a main-road route take?
The stated average is three to six hours after snow stops, depending on traffic and time of day.
Why give a snowplow extra space?
It can throw snow and debris, and following closely can hide the road ahead.
Why are bridges a special concern?
Cold air cools their top and underside, allowing faster freezing.
How do I find snow-removal volunteer information?
Follow the Snow Angels program link on the city winter reminder or contact 311. Availability is not guaranteed.