Keeping our roads and sidewalks clear of snow and ice is a priority for the City. Our Winter Maintenance Crews work 24/7 using a prioritized route system to keep you safe and keep the City moving through slush, snow and rain.
Which streets get cleared first?
City streets are maintained according to guidelines recommended by the Province. This means the first areas prioritized for snow clearing are:
- high-traffic routes: These roads carry a higher volume of vehicle and cyclist traffic, including bus routes.
- roads to vital destinations: Residents and emergency services use these roads to get to hospitals, schools and to travel in and out of the City.
Snow clearing in the city
The City plows and salts roads and bicycle lanes in priority sequence according to their Provincial Road Classification. Red Routes (Arterial Roads) are highest priority, followed by Blue Routes (Collector Roads) and then Green Routes (Residential Roads). We also clear snow from sidewalks in front of City-owned property and facilities.
Removing snow
The City of Brantford removes snow when it impacts traffic, parking and visibility. We also remove snow from bridges to maintain drainage and keep bridge decks clear. Other areas the City removes snow from include the Downtown Central Business district, underpasses, transit routes, narrow residential streets, sidewalks in front of City-owned property and municipal parking lots.
| Frequently asked questions |
Can plows minimize the amount of snow left at the bottom of my driveway?
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| The priority of our work crews is to clear the road for travel. The only place to move snow is onto the boulevard, which includes driveways. Unfortunately, snow left at the bottom of driveways is unavoidable and it is the responsibility of the property owner to remove snow from the bottom of their driveway. |
| Why did the plow only clear one side of my street? |
| Residential roads are plowed to centre bare condition, meaning the plow will create one lane for vehicular traffic. On main roads, you may see the plow clear one side of the street before it is able to safely turn around and return to plow the other half of the street. |
| Why does it take so long for my street to be plowed? |
| Residential roads are plowed after high traffic roads and roads to vital destinations have been plowed. As a result, during severe and continuous snowfalls, it may take longer to complete snow plowing on residential roads. |
| What if I live in a new development that is still under construction in some areas? |
| Even if your street hasn’t been fully assumed by the City yet, please call Customer Service at 519-759-4150 if you have a question or concern about winter maintenance in your neighbourhood. |
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I just saw a snow plow drive by with its plow up on a road that needs to be plowed.
Why not always keep the plow down?
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| Each truck is assigned to a route. The truck may be travelling to the beginning of a route to begin a salting operation which is completed before plowing. |
| Why don't all roads have a bare pavement level of service? |
| The City maintains roadways in accordance with Provincial guidelines. |
| What is "snow pack"? |
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Snow pack is hard-packed snow on a roadway that develops very quickly when vehicles travel on it often. This often happens on residential roads. Under snow pack conditions, some rutting can be expected, however, vehicles typically navigate snow pack quite easily.
Snow plows are not able to scrape off snow pack as it is usually bonded to the pavement. The City will take steps to improve conditions when warranted and possible.
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| Is the City responsible for clearing ice and snow from private parking lots and plazas? |
| Privately owned lots and plazas are the responsibility of individual property managers. If snow from a private lot is plowed onto a City street, the property management company may be subject to a fine. To report snow piled on a street, contact Customer Service at 519-759-4150. |
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