When the snow starts to fall – keep driveway and sidewalks clear

Winter may officially be only three months long, but snowfall and cold temperatures can last much longer.

Here are some things to keep in mind when clearing snow from your property.

Shovel early and often

Shovel early and often to keep walkways clear and limit heavy snow build up. Shovelling periodically during a storm can make heavy snow or significant accumulation easier to clear. Prevent an icy stoop by shovelling snow off it right after a storm, before the snow has a chance to melt and turn into ice. Remember to clear sidewalks that are connected to pathways close to your residence.

Watch the temperature

Clear snow from your property before temperatures drop significantly to avoid shovelling icy build-up. Be mindful of wet surfaces where snow has melted in milder weather that may re-freeze when temperatures drop overnight.

Take a break

Shovelling can be an exerting task – remember not to overexert yourself. Take breaks, stay hydrated, make sure to dress appropriately and stay warm.

Avoid an icy driveway

After the snow is removed from your walkway, sidewalk and driveway, be sure to check if de-icing is necessary. Use salt wisely to minimize the impact of salt on the environment by following manufacturer instructions to apply the right amount, under the right conditions.

Park vehicles in your driveway

After clearing snow from your driveway, avoid keeping your vehicle parked on the street so City plows can clear roads safely and more efficiently.

Check your car

If you car is covered in snow, remember to brush it off and clear your windows, dashboard, side mirrors and back glass. Before warming up your car, make sure to clear the tailpipe to ensure it is not blocked to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Clear snow around your home

Make sure to clear your dryer vent as a blocked vent can lead to a fire. If you have a gas fireplace or a high-efficiency gas furnace, check that the vent outside is not blocked.

For heat pumps, clear away any ice and snow from the top, sides, bottom, and around the unit.  Keep your gas meter clear of snow to prevent gas leaks; the vents can get blocked. Avoid using a shovel to clear snow from the meter, as it can get damaged—use your hands or a broom instead.

Windrows

A windrow is the pile of snow left at the bottom of a driveway after a plow clears the road. Remember, it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to clear the windrows and remove the snow from their own driveways. Those who applied for the City’s Windrow Program will have a three-metre space in the windrows cleared by the City, which can take up to 36 hours after the end of a snowstorm.

Check your driveway for cracks

Freezing temperatures can cause pavement to chip as water gets inside and freezes. Fill cracks and/or holes. Also seal hard surfaces to prevent water from getting into them. Resolve any drainage issues on your property to prevent ice from forming.

Be a good neighbour

Help keep your community safe by clearing your sidewalk of snow and ice as soon as possible after a snowfall ends. You can also offer to help your neighbours, especially older adults and people with disabilities, by offering to shovel their walkway, sidewalk and driveway.

Learn more about the City’s snow clearing operations at Mississauga.ca/snow. Keep up-to-date on the City’s snow clearing activities by following @MississaugaSnow on X or use the Snow Plow Tracker to track our snow plows and salt trucks online.

Tags

• Roads and Traffic
• Snow Removal and Maintenance
• Weather Conditions and Warnings