Salting and sanding

Sand/salt trucks are dispatched at the start of a snowfall and at the first sign of roads beginning to ice. Streets with the greatest volume of traffic, called primary (or arterial) roads, are salted or sanded first. Examples of primary roads: Wootten Way, Carlton Rd, Denison St, John St.

Secondary (or collector) roads that lead to primary roads are salted or sanded next.

Residential streets generally receive sand/salt treatment at intersections, hills and sharp curves, as required.

Plowing

When snow begins to accumulate, primary and secondary roads are cleared first to ensure that you, and emergency service vehicles like fire trucks and ambulances, can safely travel to hospitals, schools and work, and get to public transportation systems during or immediately after a snowfall.

Residential streets are plowed only after snow accumulates in excess of 7.5 centimetres.

When all streets require plowing, they are generally cleared within 16-18 hours after the end of the storm. Heavy snowfalls or successive storms can sometimes extend this period longer than 24 hours.

Sidewalks

Sidewalks are cleared only after snow accumulates in excess of five centimetres. Sidewalks located on primary roads are plowed first, followed by secondary and residential sidewalks.

Bus Shelters

York Region Transit is responsible for bus stop shelters. Direct all concerns to: Region of York Call Centre for Customer Concerns/Inquiries - 905-762-2100 and/or Region of York Operations Dispatch - 905-762-1282 x5841 or x5842

Windrow Clearing

The Town of Markham will clear a path one car width wide in the windrow (snow bank) at the base of driveways, for registered senior citizens and physically challenged persons within 8 hours of the street snow plough passing the residents driveway.For more information visit Seniors Windrow Removal Assistance Program or download application here Driveway Windrow Removal Assistance Application Form

Canada Post

Boxes Canada Post is responsible for the general upkeep, litter control, and snow clearing of all Canada post mailboxes and their immediate surrounding area. Please direct any related issues to Canada Post at 1-800-267-1177.

How you can help

• Remove snow from fire hydrants and drainage catch basins near your property.
  
  
• Do not push snow from your property back onto the street. It is illegal and it obstructs the work that our operators are doing.
  
  
• Pile snow on the right side of your driveway (when facing the road) when shovelling. This helps minimize the ridge of snow created by the snowplow at the end of your driveway.
  
  
• Remove plowed snow at the end of your driveway (see above bullet). Snowplow operators must push snow to the curb or shoulder, possibly covering recently shovelled driveways.
  
  
• Avoid on-street parking. Parking Control By-law 2005-188 prohibits the parking of vehicles on streets at any time that interferes with snow removal operations. Vehicles parked interfering with snow removal are subject to a $100 fine and/or towing. (Note: Parking of vehicles between 2:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. is prohibited year-round on all Town streets - unless otherwise or by a Town issued permit)

Additional Information

For more information about Town of Markham Snow Removal call the Contact Centre at 905-475-4866 or email: customerservice@markham.ca