The City requires you to clear the ice and snow from your sidewalk within 12 hours of a snowfall (see details below). Here are some common courtesies that will make life easier for all of us who live in the Pocket:
- Help clear the snow for seniors or people with a disability. Although they can apply to the City to clear their sidewalks, this service does not include clearing the snow from their walkway to their front door nor their driveways.
- Help clear all of the snow where parking is allowed on your street so that we don’t have piles of snow between cars. In other words, rather than clear a small area for your car (and fight to defend it), clear a somewhat wider space to make it easier for you and your neighbours to park. Put your shovelled snow in your yard. Do not put it on the street, which is prohibited by law.
- Sprinkling sand, clay kitty litter or salt on the sidewalk in front of your home improves safety for pedestrians.
Here’s what the City requires of you re: Clearing snow and ice from your property
In much of Toronto, the City provides mechanical sidewalk snow clearing, but in some parts (mainly the core area), the city is unable to provide this service. That’s why the City asks all residents and business owners in those areas to clear the ice and snow from sidewalks adjacent to their properties within 12 hours of a snowfall. Clearing the ice and snow from the sidewalk in front of your home or business will make it safer for everyone. Failure to do so could result in a fine.
If you use salt, please avoid using too much. Using alternative products such as clay kitty litter or sand is a good idea.
If you have any questions about Toronto’s snow clearing service, call 311. Take the time to clear the ice and snow in front of your property. Show everyone that you are a good neighbour!