Snow removal
Learn more about our snow and ice clearing services, and how to report uncleared areas.
On this page
- Check road snow removal map
- Road plowing standards
- Report a road plowing issue
- Snow events and street parking bans
- Sidewalk clearing standards
- Report an uncleared sidewalk
- Assisted snow clearing program
- Trail and bike lane clearing standards
- Salt management
Check road snow removal map
The Getting Around map shows which roads have been plowed during a snow event. It will only be available if a snow event has been declared.
Road plowing standards
It takes 6 to 24 hours to complete all plow routes after snow or ice has stopped falling. Following Ontario’s Municipal Act, we begin clearing roads when snow or ice reaches the required level.
We share maintenance on border roads with the City of Kitchener. We clear regional roads (PDF) on behalf of the Region of Waterloo.
Report a plowing issue
Roads take up to 24 hours to clear. Before reporting an uncleared road please wait the 24 hour period. If snow begins to fall again within the same storm, the service time is reset.
How you can help
- Give snow plows space.
- Keep cars off the street.
- Clear snow from fire hydrants on your property.
- Pile snow from your sidewalk on your property, not on the road
- Ensure that the intake and exhaust vents for your furnace are clear
- Place garbage/recycling at the end of your shovelled driveway, away from the roadway
- Keep children off the snow banks near the road
Snow events and street parking bans
When forecasts predict significant snowfall, a snow event is declared. Parking is not allowed on city streets during a snow event.
We aim to clear all city streets within 24 hours. Follow our progress on our snow removal map.
In extreme weather conditions, the City can declare a significant weather event. Residents should avoid unnecessary travel in these conditions. It can take longer than usual for plows to clear snow.
To stay informed about street parking bans, check our news and notices page or follow us on our Facebook or Twitter accounts.
Sidewalk clearing standards
In Waterloo, responsibility for sidewalk clearance is shared. In general:
- property owners clear sidewalks connected to a residence or business
- the city clears sidewalks not connected to a residence or business
Use our sidewalk map to find out if a sidewalk is cleared by the property owner or the city.
Clear sidewalks within 24 hours
Per the snow removal bylaw, property owners must clear their sidewalks within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall or ice build-up.
You may face a fine for not clearing your sidewalk:
- $100 for first-time offenders (plus clean-up costs)
- $400 for repeat offenders (plus clean-up costs)
Report an uncleared sidewalk
If a private sidewalk is not cleared within 24 hours after a snowfall ends, you have two options to request follow-up:
1. Report online
Enter the address(es) into our online reporting system to notify a bylaw officer immediately. This option requires setting up an account with our online services portal.
The request is tracked and you can view its status.
Report uncleared sidewalk online
2. Report by phone
Contact municipal enforcement at 519-747-8785, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Assisted Snow Clearing Program
we offer free snow removal for eligible seniors and people with disabilities. Snow removal services include sidewalks, driveway apron and windrows (snow pile at the bottom of the driveway after a snow plow clears the street).
This program is now closed for the 2024/25 winter season. Applications will reopen in September 2025 for the 2025/26 winter season.
Trail and bike lane clearing
We start clearing commuter trails when there's at least 5 cm of snow. After finishing this network, we plow other winter-maintained trail links and park pathways. We usually complete the service within 48 hours after the snow stops. Use our snow clearance map to check if a trail is maintained in winter.
To report an uncleared trail that should be maintained in winter, call 519-886-2310.
We clear on-road bike lanes of snow and ice per Ontario regulation 239/02, which sets road maintenance standards. Minimum service times for bike lanes may differ from the vehicle portion of the roadway.
Salt management
We apply liquid salt brine onto the roadway before a snow event to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement. This makes snow removal more efficient because less salt is required to return roads to bare pavement.
Through several initiatives under our salt management program, our winter maintenance contributes to a healthy environment for our residents.
Find out how to be smart about salt on your property.
Last updated on May 14, 2025
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