This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot 289c7fcf922a · verified 2026-06-10 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
1 | P a g e
POLICY AND DIRECTIVES
SNOW CLEARING & CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS POLICY
PW-1.0
Date Approved/ Resolution #
March 26, 2012
2012 064
September 8, 2020 2020 140
December 11, 2023 2023 161
Date Revised:
September 2, 2020
September 20, 2020
December 11, 2023
Part A - Snow Clearing
Purpose of the Policy:
To establish priorities and direction for staff in snow removal operations following major/heavy
snowfalls.
Policy:
It shall be the normal practice of the City of Thompson Public Works Department to remove snow
and/ or ice from City streets and/or sidewalks in the event of a heavy snowfall, or when the
accumulation of snow or ice poses a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
Every effort shall be made to clear all streets and sidewalks at least once during a four to five
working day period in conclusion of a snowstorm and carried out as defined in the following
priorities (see attached map).
In the event of a heavy snowfall (10 cm or more -Environment Canada Advisory) within a 24 hr
period
Priority One-
(1) Main Road: Thompson Drive, Princeton Drive, Westwood Drive and Cree Road
(2) Access points for: Schools, R.C.M.P., Fire Hall and General Hospital
(3) Main artery and access sidewalks
2 | P a g e
In the event of 20 cm or more of snow within 48 hours (Environment Canada Advisory)
Priority Two-
(1) Additional Main routes including bus routes
(2) Sidewalks
(3) Commercial Area
Priority Three-
(1) Residential streets
(2) Driveways affected will be cleared while in the neighborhood area.
(3) Sidewalks
When snow storms are continuous or follow closely one after the other, operations will be
repeated or continued on the highest priority until completed before moving on to the next
Priority.
In the event of an extreme snow storm and where the policy cannot be achieved external forces may
be required to fulfill the snow clearing policy mandate.
Property owners are required to mark any obstructions such as curbs, or any other property that
may be damaged during snow clearing operations. If the property owner does not wish to have
his/her driveway cleared, a sign indicating such should be placed near the end of the driveway.
The City shall not be responsible for damage that is done to driveways or other obstructions by
providing this service.
For the purpose of a snow removal operation, portable signs indicating that parking is prohibited
will be used where conditions warrant. Vehicles parked on a street that has signs indicating that
parking is prohibited will be towed away at the owner's expense without further notice.
If conditions permit, windrows will be removed from areas which pose a safety hazard to
vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The city is not responsible for the removal of sand from private
property as a result of sanding and snow clearing operations.
In the event the ambient temperature reaches -35 degrees Celsius, snow clearing equipment will not
be dispatched to avoid unnecessary damage to equipment unless The City has experienced a heavy
snowfall (10 cm or more) in the last 24 hours, or is currently under a heavy snowfall warning from
Environment Canada.
3 | P a g e
Part B - Snow Clean-Up
Purpose of the Policy:
To establish priorities and direction for staff involving cleanup after a snow event.
Policy:
The following policy shall be adhered to during a cleanup.
Priority One -
Main artery road and access points for schools
In these areas where snow windrows (Defined as accumulations of snow on curb/boulevard
locations) shall be removed when accumulation is higher than 1.5 meters.
Further at that point all windrows from main arteries coming to intersections shall have 50 meters of
snow cleared and hauled away.
Access to all hydrants will be accomplished by removing snow in front of them.
Priority Two -
All bus stops and shelters shall be cleared of snow obstructions.
Priority Three -
City Owned parking lots shall be cleared and snow hauled away.
Priority Four -
Residential corners greater than two (2) meters shall be cleared and hauled away.
Residents who are elderly or infirm and live alone without assistance shall have their
driveways cleaned. This is based on a snow removal agreement form being filled out
prior to entering the property.
In the event the ambient temperature reaches -35 degrees Celsius, snow clearing equipment will not
be dispatched to avoid unnecessary damage to equipment unless The City has experienced a heavy
snowfall (10 cm or more) in the last 24 hours, or is currently under a heavy snowfall warning from
Environment Canada.
4 | P a g e
5 | P a g e