Markham's Preparing for Winter

Markham's Preparing for Winter

MARKHAM, ON - December 21, 2017 - Environment Canada has issued a weather alert affecting Markham, with an estimated 10 to 15 centimetres of snow starting this afternoon into Friday. In the City of Markham, public safety is a top priority. At the start of snowfall, or at the first signs of ice forming on roads and sidewalks, the City sends its salting and sanding equipment out to begin servicing roads with the greatest amount of traffic, called arterial and primary roads. Then intersections and secondary roads with hills and sharp turns are serviced.

Snow removal service begins on local roads, including rear lanes, when snow reaches a depth of 7.5 centimetres (about 3 inches) or more at the end of the snowfall, and on sidewalks when it reaches 5 centimetres (about 2 inches) deep within 24 hours at the end of the snowfall. The City's Operations fleet first clears arterial and primary roads, followed by secondary roads and then local roads. This is to ensure primary roads are cleared for emergency vehicles and public transit, and that residents can access hospitals, community centres, schools and workplaces.

How can you keep yourself and your community safe?

Winter can be a particularly difficult season. The more we work together, the safer our community will be. A few things you can do to make a difference are:

• Clear snow away from fire hydrants and catch basins on your property.
• Pile snow from your driveway onto the right side (when facing the road) of your driveway, to reduce snow accumulation in your driveway when the plow comes by.
• It is important to note that pushing snow onto the street can cause safety issues for drivers and pedestrians in your neighbourhood, and it's illegal.
• Effective November 15 to April 15 - park on the odd numbered side of the street only. 
  if you are a senior (60 years of age or older) or between the ages of 12 and 60 with a disability, you can apply for Markham's Driveway Windrow Removal Assistance.

See the progress of road and sidewalk plows and learn more about being prepared for winter.
 

Markham Winter Operations Frequently Asked Questions

VIDEO: Markham's Winter Snow Clearing Operations
 

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor at lnicolas@markham.ca or 416.671.2890.
 

For all other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham: 
Erynn Sally, Media Relations Coordinator at esally@markham.ca or 416.737.2684.

About Markham: Markham, a municipality with 350,000 residents centrally located in the Greater Toronto area, is home to over 400 corporate head offices and more than 1,100 high tech and life science companies. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community, enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. Markham has received the Excellence Canada Gold Award for Organizational Quality & Healthy Workplace, and multiple heritage and environmental awards.