Home / For Wellanders / Roads

Snow clearing and winter parking

Fill up the snow blower, brush off the shovels, and get ready for winter; snow clearing and winter parking in Welland doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a little planning and cooperation, we can keep streets, sidewalks, and neighbourhoods safer for everyone. And remember, with significant snowfalls, things take time, but City staff work around the clock to get streets and sidewalks cleared as quickly and safely as possible.

City snow clearing

The City of Welland maintains more than 315 kilometres of roadways and 78 kilometres of sidewalks each winter. To do this work safely and efficiently, crews use a mix of sand/salt machines, plow trucks, sidewalk clearing equipment, loaders, and other winter maintenance vehicles.

Snow and ice clearing follows provincial Minimum Maintenance Standards, identify snow accumulation thresholds that trigger plowing and provide timeframes for undertaking plowing, sanding/salting, and ice clearing based on road classifications that are defined by traffic volumes.

Roads are cleared according to their role in the transportation network, including:

  • arterial roads
  • collector roads
  • local residential streets

Local residential streets can safely remain snow-covered longer than major routes. This allows crews to focus first on roads that carry higher traffic volumes before moving into neighbourhoods.

Sidewalk clearing
The City clears six sidewalk routes to maintain sidewalks along key corridors and priority areas throughout the winter.

Resident snow clearing
Under the City’s Sidewalk Snow Clearing By-law 2008-185, property owners are required to clear snow and ice from sidewalks bordering their property within 24 hours after a substantial snowfall.

What to expect after a snowfall

Every snow event is different. Weather conditions, snowfall amounts, wind, and temperature all affect how quickly snow can be cleared.

To respond safely and effectively, snow clearing operations are planned and adjusted throughout each storm. City staff monitor conditions before, during, and after snowfall, adjust operations during heavier or prolonged storms, and continue clearing routes as conditions improve.

If a significant weather event occurs, response times may be extended to ensure safety.

Winter parking and snow clearing

Parking plays an important role in allowing snow clearing equipment to operate safely and efficiently.

Parking or permitting a vehicle to remain parked on any roadway that interferes with snow clearing operations is not permitted.

For snow clearing purposes, a roadway includes:

  • streets, roads, and avenues
  • parkways and driveways
  • any area intended for or used by the public for vehicle travel

Vehicles left on the roadway during snow clearing operations may be ticketed.

When parking is allowed
Once a roadway has been adequately cleared and no further snow clearing operations are required, on-street parking may resume where it is normally permitted and not restricted by signage.

A few simple steps can help snow clearing operations move more smoothly and reduce snow buildup around driveways and sidewalks:

  • Avoid parking on roadways during winter weather. Plows need space to operate safely, and parked vehicles can lead to additional snow being pushed back into driveways.
  • Pile snow on the right side of the driveway (when facing the street). This can help reduce the amount of snow pushed back when the road is plowed.
  • Clear sidewalks promptly after snowfall. Keeping sidewalks clear improves safety and accessibility for everyone in the community.

Can I park my vehicle on the roadway when it is not snowing?
Yes, once your roadway is adequately cleared and no further snow clearing operations are required, residents can continue parking on the street as long as locations are not restricted by signage.

Is this by-law in effect regardless of weather conditions?
No, By-law 89-2000, Section 3.13.10, is only in effect during snow clearing operations. Motorists can follow their typical parking behaviour until snow clearing operations begin.

Why are certain vehicles exempt from the by-law?
Residents without driveways may apply for a snow clearance exemption permit. You can find application forms online or from the traffic and parking operations division. A fee of $50 per year is due upon approval.

What is the fine for parking on a highway interfering with snow clearing operations?
The fine is $65.

Resources


Contact

➤