Sidewalk Snow Removal
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Snow and ice removal
Clarington's snow clearing by-law gives property owners 24 hours after the end of a snowfall to clear snow and ice from sidewalks bordering their property. Residents must clear the sidewalks of snow to their full width, including between snowfalls or when drifting occurs.
You must also clear "corner links", as shown below:
Failing to clear the sidewalk of snow and ice could result in a penalty of the cost of the Municipality completing the work plus a $50 administrative fee.
It is the property owner's responsibility to use safety salt or sand on ice and slippery surfaces if necessary.
Municipal sidewalk snow-clearing program
To help improve accessibility in our community, Clarington launched a municipal sidewalk snow-clearing program in the 2023-24 winter season. Clarington crews will plow and salt sidewalks on primary routes, pedestrian crossovers, and school crossings. The sidewalks selected for this program are located on arterial roads—or main routes—identified in downtown and high-traffic areas that people would typically use to travel within the main areas of the community.
In accordance with Clarington’s snow clearing by-law, property owners are still responsible for ensuring that sidewalks are free of snow and ice. Municipal sidewalk snow-clearing is not a replacement for winter sidewalk snow clearing and salting.
Frequently asked questions
| What sidewalks are being cleared by the municipality, and how were these locations selected? |
| Arterial roads are main routes identified in downtown and high-traffic areas that people would typically use to travel main areas of the community. View our map to see the sidewalks that will be cleared as part of this program. |
| I am signed up Snow Clearing Program for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities. Why do I still need to pay when the Municipality is now clearing my sidewalk for free? |
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The Snow Clearing Program for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities is a bundled service that includes clearing both your sidewalk and the windrow (the pile of snow at the bottom of the driveway after a snowplow clears the street) for one set fee. The Municipal arterial sidewalk clearing is a separate service focused on designated routes and does not include windrow removal. If you do not sign up for the Snow Clearing Program for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities, your windrow will not be cleared. |
| How quickly after a snowfall will the Municipality clear sidewalks? |
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We aim to clear designated sidewalks within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall. Work typically starts early in the morning and continues throughout the day, including after hours if needed. The amount of snow and weather conditions may affect this timeline. |
| How can I share feedback about the municipal sidewalk snow-clearing program? |
| Report a problem or complaint about snow or ice-covered sidewalks by logging into the Service Clarington portal or call 905-623-3379. For general questions about the program, please contact operations@clarington.net or call 905-623-3379 ext. 2661. |
| Why is it important to clear sidewalks? |
| Residents who use wheelchairs, walkers, canes, strollers and even our youngest residents find it hard to navigate the sidewalks when snow is piled high. Snow or ice covered sidewalks can be treacherous for all residents. To avoid icy sidewalks pedestrians often use roadways causing a traffic and safety hazard. |
| What happens after I receive a "yellow door hanger"? |
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After we receive and process the photos and contractor's invoice, you will receive an invoice from the Municipality of Clarington to cover the cost of the snow removal. To dispute the work or the invoice, contact By-Law Services. |
If you receive a "yellow door hanger," our Municipal contractor has been sent out in response to a complaint about the sidewalk bordering your property. The contractor has carried out the work necessary to ensure the sidewalk is clear of snow and ice.Report snow or ice-covered sidewalks
To help serve you better and provide more efficient service, we’ve launched Service Clarington — a new online customer portal. File by-law complaints, report problems, and apply and pay for permits and licences in one convenient place. Get started by visiting service.clarington.net to create an account.
Report snow or ice-covered sidewalks by logging in to the Service Clarington portal or call 905-623-3379. You will need to provide specific address information.
We accept complaints after at least 24 hours of clear weather.
The Municipal contractor attends every property listed in a complaint. The contractor will take a photo of the area before and after the work is performed, and hang a "yellow door hanger" on the door of the property explaining the situation.
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