Snow Plowing and Winter Maintenance

We understand you may have questions about snow removal, when things will get done, and so much more, check out the FAQs below. If you don't see your question, let us know! The Town follows guidelines set out by the Province's Minimum Maintenance Standards (MMS). Check out the Winter Maintenance page for other information. 

Click and learn about:

• Road maintenance
• Sidewalk maintenance
• Windrows and snowbanks
• Parking areas and parking restrictions 
• Residents and property
• General information

Don't see the answer to your question? Let us know! 

Roads

How do crews respond when it starts snowing? 

As road conditions become slippery, crews salt the roads in potential hazardous locations such as intersections, curves, and school/pedestrian crosswalks. Snow plowing will commence on high traffic roadways after an accumulation of 5 cm to 8 cm. Sanding and plowing is carried out in order of priority of class highways.

What are Midland's priority roads?

Roads are organized into a priority system based off of the Province's Minimum Maintenance Standards. Midland does not have any class 1 roads (according to MMS). There is one area of King St that is considered a class 2 road from Highway 12 to Galloway Blvd. Crews focus on the class 3 roads, which are high-traffic and arterial roads like parts of King Street, Yonge Street and Hugel Avenue. While the snow is falling, crews are required to address these roads over class 4-6 roads (residential). 

When will the Town clear the snow on roads? 

We clear over 270 km of roads in Midland. Town crews aim to address all roads within 12 hours after the snow has stopped falling. This exceeds the minimum requirements set out by the province (MMS). While the snow is falling, crews will continuously work to reduce snow on roads. 

What are the requirements for plowing roads? 

Midland exceeds the MMS by addressing snow accumulation on Town roads sooner than required. When there is a significant weather event declared by the Town, these requirements are extended as per the discretion of the Town. 

The Province's Minimum Maintenance Standards outlines the following requirements: 

• High-traffic and arterial roads (class 3): if the snow is deeper than 5 cm - 8 cm, the Town will deploy resources. When the snow has stopped, the Town is required to reduce the snow to less than 8 cm within 12 hours of zero snow fall.  
• Collector roads (class 4): if the snow is deeper than 8 cm, the Town will deploy resources. When the snow has stopped, the Town is required to reduce the snow to less than 8 cm within 16 hours of zero snow fall.  
• Local and residential roads (class 5): if the snow is deeper than 10 cm, the Town will deploy resources. When the snow has stopped, the Town is required to reduce the snow to less than 10 cm within 24 hours of zero snow fall.  
• Other residential roads (class 6): if the snow is deeper than 10 cm, the Town will deploy resources. When the snow has stopped, the Town is required to reduce the snow to less than 10 cm within 24 hours of zero snow fall. 

When will the snow in my neighbourhood be reduced? 

Most residential neighbourhoods will have their snow reduced on roads after a snow accumulation of 10 cm within 24 hours of zero snowfall. When the snow is falling, the snow will never be completely cleared. 

What can I do if my street has not been plowed yet?

Do not fret, the plow will be in your neighbourhood within 24 hours after the snow has stopped. Crews work day and  night to address snow accumulation. You can track the snow plows to see what areas have already had the snow reduced on their street. 

Will the snow removal process remove all the snow from the road? 

Normal snow removal equipment will blade the snow to a level snow pack may not clear residential roads to bare pavement. The objective of the snow removal process is to make the roads drivable and reduce the amount of surface flooding during the spring melt. The MMS requires municipalities to reduce snow as per their classification.

When will laneways be plowed? 

Laneways may not be plowed until all the higher priority roads are completed after the snow has stopped falling. 

Why does the roads in the downtown core get plowed leaving a snowbank in the middle?

These are commonly referred to as 'Percy's Peaks' as an homage to the Town staff that implemented this maintenance operation. First, the grader or plow piles the snow in a “windrow” in the middle of the road, then the overnight crew will come back with the blower to blow the snow into a waiting truck to be hauled away to the snow dump. Minimizing the interruption caused by the plow, as well as keeping the on-street parking spots open (less snow to step in when getting out of your car). 

Sidewalks

Does the Town maintain the sidewalks?

The Town has limited sidewalk machines that will either push or blow snow to reduce the amount of snow on sidewalks. The sidewalks around schools or close to direct hospital routes will be prioritized. When the snow is falling, the sidewalks will not be clear. It is important to understand that a sidewalk does not “bare off” like an asphalt roadway. 

When will my sidewalk be cleared?

The Town will start on sidewalks once there is more than 8 cm of snow. Sidewalks in residential areas will be completed once the priority ones are finished. When there is zero snow falling, the Town will reduce the snow accumulation on sidewalks to be less or equal to 8 cm within 48 hours of the last snow fall. This is a requirement set out by the MMS. During a significant weather event, the Town is not required to clear the sidewalks until after the declaration has ended.

Am I required to clear my own sidewalk?

Unlike other municipalities, it is not a requirement for residents to clear snow on the sidewalk in front of their homes, though it is very much appreciated and helps our community. The Town aims to ensure all sidewalks are maintained as per the MMS.

Why are the sidewalks not completely scraped clear?

As outlined by the MMS, the snow is to be reduced to equal or less than 8 cm in depth. If the depth of snow accumulation on a sidewalk is less than or equal to 8 cm following maintenance efforts, the sidewalk is deemed to be in a state of repair in respect of snow accumulation.

What if I have a concern about a sidewalk? 

If you believe the sidewalk may need additional service, please contact us. Remember sidewalks may not be addressed until up to 48 hours after snow has stopped falling. 

Windrows and snowbanks

What is a windrow?

A snow windrow is the pile of snow left at the bottom of a driveway after a snowplow or sidewalk machine has cleared the road or sidewalk in front of the property. 

Does the Town remove windrows?

The Town does not clear windrows. Windrows can be frustrating for residents living in snowy areas like Midland, thought to effectively plow the road windrows cannot be avoided. The Town has no resources to support residents in removing snow that has fallen onto their property.

Does the Town cut snowbanks back?

The Town cuts back high snowbanks after a considerable amount of snow accumulation for safety and to improve sight lines. There is no regulation requiring the Town to perform this operation, therefore residents are able to remove snow banks or hire a company to preform this service if they wish. 

When does the Town cut the snowbanks back?

There is only one heavy equipment vehicle that cuts back snowbanks in the entire Town. This operation typically takes place overnight to ensure community safety and avoid interruptions to daily traffic. 

What do I do if my snowbank is very high?

During seasons of heavy snow fall, the snowbanks may not be cut back as frequently. This is because the crew is working overnight to continue clearing falling snow. Residents are encouraged to not pile snow from windrows or their driveway on snowbanks close to the road. This operation will be completed but it is an additional service and not a requirement by the Province's MMS. 

Is it smart to play in snowbanks on the sides of roads or parking lots? 

No. Playing in snowbanks along the edge of the road is very dangerous. Plow trucks are large and heavy and cannot stop instantaneously. Children sliding down snowbanks or building forts on/in the banks cannot be seen by the plow drivers. Please stay safe. 

I am on a corner lot, why do get more snow in the winter?

Corner lots may experience more snow from plowing due to the plow carrying snow around the curve from one street to another. For efficient snow removal, there is no way for the Town to avoid this. 

Parking areas and parking restrictions 

Can I park overnight on roads or in Town parking lots in the winter? 

No. From November 15th to April 1st of each year, our snow removal parking restrictions come into effect. Any vehicles parked between the hours of 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Town streets, in municipal parking lots, or in any manner that interferes with snow plowing or winter maintenance, may be ticketed or towed. Learn more about winter parking restrictions. 

Can I park on the road during the day in the winter?

Residents are asked to be mindful when parking on Town streets during the day in the winter to allow effective road maintenance during heavy snowfalls. Parked cars that impede snow removal operations and plow trucks can be ticketed.  

Does the Town have any parking lots in the downtown core for overnight parking?

No. There is no parking overnight in any municipal lots. Any vehicles parked between the hours of 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. in Municipal parking lots, or in any manner that interferes with snow plowing or winter maintenance, may be ticketed or towed.

Residents and property

Why do I get more snow on my property than my neighbours? 

The crews cannot control how snow may fall or be deposited as they are plowing roads and sidewalks. There are several reasons why your driveway may get more snow than your neighbour's such as:

• You are located adjacent to a curve on the road (corner lot) where the snow is carried around the curve and your driveway is the first to receive it,
• You are in an area that receives blowing snow (i.e. a field across from your home, wind tunnel),
• You pile your snow on the side of your driveway that the plow is travelling; therefore, the snow is carried across the front of your driveway,
• The south and west sides of the roadway typically get more sun during the day to melt snow and ice.

Can I put snow from my property on to the road or sidewalk?

No. Do not push snow onto the roadway or sidewalks. This is a violation of the Highway Traffic Act. Do not push or place snow onto Town property. By-law 2009-69. 

Where should I place my waste bins? 

The waste bins are not to be placed on the road or sidewalks, this will interfere with snow removal. Bins can be placed on the residents boulevard about 8 ft from the road edge, the County of Simcoe can still pick-up the bins at that distance from the road edge. Learn about bin placement.

My neighbour is putting snow on my property, what can I do? 

When there is so much snow, no one knows where they can keep piling it. Residents are encouraged to not deposit snow from their property onto their neighbours. The Town cannot be involved as this is a civil matter, but we encourage residents to be respectful of their neighbours. 

What do I do if I have concerns about the property I am renting at? 

If there are concerns surrounding fire exit access, you can contact the Fire Prevention Officer for any inquiries. Please talk to your landlord about concerns regarding snow removal. 

What can I do to help? 

Safety is a top priority during the winter months. 

• Follow winter parking restrictions, learn more here.
• Do not place waste bins on Town streets or Town sidewalks as it interferes with plowing, learn more here.
• Do not push snow onto the roadway or sidewalks. This is a violation of the Highway Traffic Act.
• Do not push or place snow onto Town property. By-law 2009-69 
• Stay a safe distance away - plows are big!
• Be patient. 

General information 

What is a significant weather event? 

A Significant Weather Event may be declared when current or forecasted conditions pose a serious risk to users of roads and sidewalks. A significant weather event is not a declaration of an emergency. Stay informed by subscribing to our News and Notices. 

Is it important to clear snow off the roof of my house? 

Heavy snow can cause roof failures and structural damages. A cubic foot of snow can weigh from 7lbs up to 30lbs if it is older and compacted. Residents are encouraged to take the time to consider safely clearing or having a professional clear snow from your roof. 

Who clears the snow from fire hydrants?

Clearing snow from a fire hydrant in your neighbourhood can save precious moments if your home had a structure fire. The Town staff will clear a fire hydrant, though it is extremely appreciated when residents clear ones on their property. 

The plow damaged my lawn, what do I do?

If there was any accidental damage to your lawn while the crew was completing maintenance operations you can contact our staff to report the issue. 

Don't see the answer to your question? Let us know!