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# Snow Removal
## Sidewalk Snow Clearing
### Reminder
* Newmarket maintains all local roads and sidewalks. 624 km of roads (both sides) and 364 km of sidewalks.
* Regional roads (Mulock Drive, Bayview Avenue, Leslie Street, Yonge Street, Davis Drive, Bathurst Street) are maintained by York Region
* The Town starts to plow when snow accumulates **over 6 cm.**
* **First snow response is to salt** the roads and sidewalks to keep ice from bonding to the surface. This can take four to five hours to complete.
* It takes **up to 16 hours to plow/clear all roads** in Newmarket, and can take longer if snow continues to fall.
* Please be patient as plows make their way around Town and respect our plow drivers and staff.
## Quicklinks
Significant Weather Events
Windrow Pilot Program
Submit Service Request
Locate My Plow
Frequently Asked Questions
## On this page
## General snow information
###
* The Town starts to plow when snow accumulates **over 6 cm.**
* **First snow response is to salt** the roads and takes four to five hours to complete the Town.
* It takes **up to 16 hours to plow/clear all roads** in Newmarket, and can take longer if snow continues to fall.
* Newmarket clears main roads and residential roads following the Town's road network. Roads with higher traffic for emergency vehicles and/or connect to Regional Roads are cleared first. Residential roads, courts and elbow streets will be cleared after. Often times, snow plows will need to return to higher traffic routes after they have been plowed if snow continues to fall, and therefore it may take longer for them to reach residential streets.
* There are **over 250 courts in Town** that require a special small plow to clear. Therefore, it may take longer for crews to reach court streets.
* The Town plows sidewalks on all primary roads and along school routes, as much as possible.
* Trails at Fairy Lake and Tom Taylor Trail are cleared during the winter. The remaining walkways are not maintained for winter use. Please take extra caution and use at your own risk due to the potential for changing conditions due to freeze/thaw and pooling water on the trail.
* Pedestrian Bridges on town property are not maintained with Sand/Salt. Please use bridges with CAUTION and at own risk. Bridges are slippery when wet. Not using sand/ salt material helps to protect water bodies and slows down deterioration of the bridge structure.
* Please use extra caution on the section of the Tom Taylor Trail immediately south of Mulock bridge. This trail segment is susceptible to flooding, causing slippery conditions.
* Walkways into parks near or on school routes and walkways between streets are cleared.
* Community mailboxes are cleared by Canada Post and not by the Town of Newmarket.
* Bus shelters and stops are the responsibility of York Region Transit.
* Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks fronting and abutting their properties.
## Snow clearing process and priority
Snow clearing efforts begin before the snow falls and continue after. The process for handling a snow event is as follows:
1. **Before the snowfall:**
* Town staff monitor the weather.
* Road and sidewalk conditions are monitored through patrolling.
* Roads, sidewalk and trails are salted.
* Winter parking restrictions are in effect. Avoid parking on the street. Applying for a free parking permit to park in select municipal lots overnight.
2. **During the snow fall (when more than 6 cm of snow has fallen):**
* Main Newmarket roads are plowed. Roads with higher traffic or that lead to hospitals and schools take priority.
* Roads, sidewalks and trails are cleared. Town crews continue to salt them.
* **Note:** service requests are not accepted during snow fall.
3. **After the snow fall:**
* The town continues to clear snow and perform snow clean-up.
* Service requests are accepted 16 hours after the snow stops falling. This timeline may be extended if a significant snow event is declared.
Under the Minimum Maintenance Standards (Reg. 239), the Town has anywhere between 12 and 24 hours to clear roads that are classified under various categories, for example, primary roads are required to be plowed within a 12-hour period once there is 8 cm or more snow.
Most routes are completed within a 16-hour period. If there is a prolonged snowfall, or complicated weather patterns (freezing rain, heavy snowfall, cars parked on the road etc.) clearance times can be affected. In addition, the Highway Traffic Act regulates the number of working hours of snow crews. During prolonged snowfalls, crews are required to rest before they are able to work again.
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Newmarket's snow clearing process
**Please remember:**
* Do not push snow into the streets or sidewalks
* Do not put waste and recycling bins on the street or sidewalk
* Do not park your cars on the street as this interferes with snow plowing operations
* Please report damages to [email protected]
* Please respect our snow operators
## Priority and scheduling
Weather is the overall factor that determines how quickly the streets can be cleared. Snow clearing schedules may change within minutes due to a winter weather system or temperature variances. It is also important to remember that the safety of everyone is the Town's priority when storms occur. Town of Newmarket operations staff must assess several variables as well as the quality standards for clearing snow.
The Town is divided into 12 routes. Each route is made up of streets that are categorized as primary and secondary. **Primary streets -- roads that carry higher volumes of traffic and lead to areas such as business areas, the hospital and schools -- are cleared first.** After the primary routes are completed, secondary routes (local Newmarket streets), will be completed.
On occasion, snowstorms can last for a number of hours. A lengthy snowfall or a variety of precipitation conditions (freezing rain, ice etc.) requires snow crews to re-plow primary routes to keep them safe for heavier traffic before moving onto secondary routes (residential streets).
###
Due to the shape and varying size of courts, elbows and cul-de-sacs, specialized equipment is needed to remove snow in these areas. These areas will be serviced once primary and secondary routes are completed.
Town staff sometimes use courts, elbows and cul-de-sacs to store snow during snow events. We apologize for the inconvenience and understand that this can be frustrating for those that live in the area. Town staff continue to review the snow removal process in an effort to minimize and reduce delays that occur in clearing these areas.
The Town has over 250 cul-de-sacs and 125 wide elbow streets.
###
When freezing rain is forecasted, patrolling, radar and weather monitoring are greatly increased. Under Reg. 239, Minimum Maintenance Standards, municipalities are required to prevent ice from forming on roadways following 24-hours of freezing rain.
Crews are extremely proactive when dealing with freezing rain events. This is why salting trucks are dispatched before any precipitation has occurred to combat inclement weather conditions during freezing rain. Salting material may be re-applied to ensure the safety of our community.
## Significant weather events
When Environment and Climate Change Canada announces inclement weather that may post a significant danger to all road users, the Town of Newmarket is able to declare a Significant Weather Event (pursuant to s.169.9 of Reg. 239/02, as amended).
### What does this mean?
During a Significant Weather Event, Newmarket's winter services do not change. However, residents can expect winter clearing activities to take longer to complete with a continued focus on primary roads and routes followed by secondary roads and routes.
### How can you help?
**If you are looking to make a service request or to report a missed street, please contact the** **Town after 24 hours has passed from when it has stopped snowing during significant weather events.**
###
**Please respect our snow plow operator.** Be courteous and kind to all Newmarket snow crews as they work hard throughout the day and overnight to ensure all roads, sidewalks and trails are plowed and safe for residents to travel on. Please be patient, respect our snow plow operators and give them the space they need to plow the area.
The Town understands that heavy snow falls can be frustrating for residents, however, please avoid approaching snow plow operators when they are doing their work. If you have a question or concern, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or call 905-895-5193.
## Snow clearing responsibilities
Property owners, the Town of Newmarket, York Region and Canada Post all have different responsibilities to prepare for and handle snowfall events.
###
The Town of Newmarket is responsible for salting and plowing:
* Local roads
* Sidewalks that are greater than 122 cm or considered priority sidewalk routes
* Paved/concrete walkways that go from street to street and into parks and facilities
Please note that the Town of Newmarket does not clear windrows (snow that has been pushed onto your driveway while the snow plow is clearing the street). The Town understands that windrows caused by road snow plowing can be frustrating for our residents. Unfortunately, in order to effectively plow the road, windrows cannot be avoided.
###
Regional roads (e.g. Yonge Street, Mulock Drive) are maintained by York Region.
York Region Transit is responsible for clearing snow at serviced bus stops. For concerns, please call York Region Transit at 1-866-668-3978.
###
Canada Post is responsible for clearing snow around mailboxes. For concerns, please call 1-800-267-1177.
###
Property owners are responsible for clearing snow from their walkways and driveways, and it makes good sense to keep these areas and steps free of ice. No one wants a family member or visitor to slip and fall.
Under the Highway Traffic Act, property owners are not allowed to deposit snow on the travelled portion of the roadway. Other points of snow etiquette and safety to keep in mind are:
* Be a good neighbour. Lend a hand to those who may not be physically able to shovel or who may find walking to the store or bus stop too difficult because of the snow or ice.
* Keep your children safe -- don't let them play in the snow piles or on the snow banks at the side of the road.
* When clearing snow, pile it on your property, it should not be shovelled onto the sidewalk or street.
* Place your garbage containers and blue box on a cleared area, do not perch them on the top of snow piles.
* Help prevent street flooding and icing by clearing snow away from storm sewer catch basins. When the weather gets warmer and snow begins to melt, it's important that the runoff water gets into the storm sewer. If the catch basin is fully or partially covered by a build-up of snow and ice, street flooding can occur. If the temperature dips again, the street can become an ice rink.
For everyone's safety, property owners with fire hydrants fronting or abutting their property are requested to assist by keeping them visible and clear of snow.
#### Curbside landscaping
The Town of Newmarket reminds residents to consider the following before making landscape improvements:
* Do not place objects upon the grass boulevard or store materials on the paved portion of the road, as this will inhibit excavations or the removal of snow from the road or sidewalk.
+ This includes items such as plants, rocks, signs, curbs and landscape features.
+ The road allowance is designed as a utility corridor, an area for snow storage and a space for sidewalks.
+ Items found on the municipal road allowance may be subject to removal at any time by the Town of Newmarket.
* Town policy prohibits the storing of material on any portion of the road for safety hazard concerns.
+ If such obstructions exist, it will be removed by the Town at its discretion.
* All driveway curbs that border on a sidewalk or road should be one foot from the sidewalk or road so they do not damage equipment or cause injury during snow removal operations.
+ If Town equipment is damaged due to obstructions, the property owner may be subject to a fine.
## Snow-related service requests
Newmarket crews continuously monitor the road conditions during inclement weather events and to identify areas that need additional snow clearing work. Crews also make an effort to ensure streets and sidewalks are not missed.
If you believe your street/sidewalk may have been missed, or if your street/sidewalks needs additional service, please **submit a snow-related service request online approximately 16 hours after the snow event and 24 hours after a significant weather event (i.e. snow or freezing rain stops falling). Track the progress of Newmarket's plows with the** **Locate my Plow App.**
Submit a service request
## Residential Windrow Opening Pilot Program
The Town of Newmarket is running a pilot program for windrow opening for eligible households. Applications will be accepted until **November 15, 2026. This program is available to the first 100 eligible households.**
**Note:** Residents who applied and were accepted into last year's program must apply again to qualify for this season.
This program will be open to:
* S**eniors (65 years or older) who demonstrate a financial limitation and must provide:**
+ Proof of age
+ The applicant or spouse of the applicant must provide proof they are eligible or in receipt of the **Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS),** pursuant to Part II of the Old Age Security Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. O-9 for the previous tax year.
* **A person with a disability who demonstrates a financial limitation and must provide:**
+ Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- Disability amounts under the Social Assistance Reform Act
+ Provide proof of income
- For a single person: Income Tax Assessment Notice showing income of $23,000 or less.
- For a family of two or more: Income Tax Assessment Notice showing income of $40,000 or less
Learn more and apply at HeyNewmarket.ca/Windrows
## Frequently asked questions
Learn more about snow removal procedures by viewing the frequently asked questions below. Have a question that isn't addressed below? Email [email protected], and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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The winter maintenance crews are responsible for clearing:
* 624 km of roads (both sides of the road) for plowing/salting operations
The Town's winter maintenance crews are responsible for plowing and salting local Town of Newmarket roads. Regional roads such as Mulock Drive, Davis Drive, Bayview Avenue, Leslie Street and Yonge Street are completed by York Region.
Various equipment is used to conduct road and sidewalk snow clearing - the fleet is made up of 12 plows, complete with salt units and 18 sidewalk snowplows.
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Yes, Town staff receive detailed weather forecast four to five times within a 24-hour period. This allows staff to monitor the winter conditions, plan and prepare for the tasks ahead. During storm advisory situations, weather forecasts are updated more often while staff continue to monitor weather radar images from Environment Canada.
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Crews take extra care to ensure that no streets are missed. Occasionally streets can be missed due to technological errors (GPS).
If you believe your street/sidewalk may have been missed, or if your street/sidewalks needs additional service, please contact the Town of Newmarket at [email protected] or call 905-895-5193 **approximately 16 hours after the snow event and 24 hours after a significant weather event (i.e. snow or freezing rain stops falling).**
Snow crews will be notified and arrangements will be made to have the street cleared.
###
The Town uses 100 percent salt called Thawrox during winter maintenance.
The Town of Newmarket uses modern technology in the application of this material and we keep up-to-date on new developments. Treated salt helps reduce application rates allowing us to do more with less. Our goal is to be proactive in this area, recognizing that the safety of town streets during slippery conditions must not be jeopardized by the use of alternative products. Pickled sand is used if temperatures are forecasted to drop below -17°C for an extended period. This material lessens the possibility of any re-freezing and gives some needed grit to assist with traction.
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Salting is used to control winter road conditions. It is important to prevent snow or ice from bonding with the road surface. Therefore, salt vehicles are used on primary streets on a regular basis during inclement weather.
When snow accumulation is over 6 cm, plows will then be deployed to clear snow off the roads. The Town's goal is to keep major routes as bare as possible (i.e. down to the hard pavement).
Please note that Regional roads such as Davis Drive, Mulock Drive, Bayview Avenue, Leslie Street and Yonge Street are maintained by York Region.
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Experience, skills and care are required to safely manoeuvre plow blades through traffic and around parked cars while ensuring streets are cleared in a timely manner. Snow removal is at its maximum when streets have little to no traffic and are cleared of parked cars. This is why the majority of snow clearing is done during the evening and overnight. After primary streets are completed, crews will tackle secondary routes.
Parked cars on the street affect snow clearing procedures. Please remember that winter parking restrictions are in effect from November 1 to April 15. Any vehicle found on any roadway between the hours of 2 and 6 a.m. will be subject to a fine as this interferes with the clearing of snow.
Plows will **not** be sent back to areas where cars were previously parked.
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The salt applied to streets, combined with the traffic they receive, and temperature can produce bare pavement very quickly. Streets that have less traffic are more likely to have some snow. However, you will often see bare pavement where local streets border a Regional road. This is generally due to salt being tracked over by cars coming from the Regional roads.
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The Town understands that this can be a frustration for residents and apologize for the inconvenience. In order to effectively plow the roads, the plows need to plow as close to the curb as possible. Doing so will help widen the road from curb to curb. During snow events, plow trucks may need to plow two or three times to complete the street.
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The Town makes an effort to minimize damage made by snowplows during winter maintenance. During snow events, operators face many challenges including limited lighting, visibility, pedestrians and parked cars/obstructions. Sometimes these factors can cause damage to your property.
If your lawn/property is damaged by snow clearing vehicles, please call the Town of Newmarket at 905-895-5193. A Customer Service associate will take down your name and address and forward the information to our Public Works Services team. The address will then be reviewed and tracked (with photos) for repair in the spring. The repair process usually begins mid-April and may last until late May. The repair schedule varies due to the severity of the winter season and other weather-related damages.
If the Town of Newmarket damages other items such as curbway stops, please call the Town of Newmarket at 905-895-5193. Boulevards are owned by the Town of Newmarket and should not have any landscape features in these areas. Items damaged on boulevards are not the responsibility of the Town of Newmarket.
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The following locations are not part of the Town's snow removal services:
* Unpaved park walkways and paths. Some walkways have signs posted that indicate they are not maintained in the winter and alternative routes should be found.
* Private walks, driveways and roads. These areas are the responsibility of the individual, business or corporation owning the property. For example, the owner of a townhouse complex must keep any internal roads clear of snow and ice.
* Residents and community members are reminded that **Newmarket parks are not maintained for winter activities (skiing, tobogganing, skibobbing, snowboarding). Please take extra caution and use at your own risk.**
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The Town of Newmarket does not clear windrows. The Town understands that windrows caused by road snow plowing can be frustrating for our residents. Unfortunately, in order to effectively plow the road, windrows cannot be avoided.
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Green bins are replaced free of charge if broken. Residents can call our waste collection contractor Green for Life (GFL) at 1-866-421-5625 to schedule a replacement bin exchange. Broken green bins must be at the curb on the date of exchange agreed to with our contractor GFL in order to receive a replacement bin.
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Before and during snow events, snow trucks are dispatched initially to apply a round of salt first in the centre of the road to assist with snow melt. Salt trucks will do one pass on the street (usually on a secondary road) and more than one on primary roads. If the accumulation of snow gets close to, or reaches 6 cm, plowing operations will begin. Snow crews will plow both sides of the road and on their second pass, apply salt materials as they leave the street.
If another snow plow requires assistance during snow plowing operations, back-up trucks may be called-in as well to help. Therefore, you may see more than one or two trucks on the same street. This is to ensure that the Town maintains its service levels and to ensure streets are cleared within regulatory timeframes.
## Locate my plow app
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Locate my Plow is an online portal that allows you to track the progress of Newmarket snow plows in real-time on Newmarket roads during winter events.
Locate my Plow
Locate my Plow allows you to:
* View the current status of snow plows on roads (actively plowing road plows)
* View when the last time the particular road was plowed
* View how many kilometres of roads are still left to be completed
Every five-minutes, data from actively plowing road plows is transmitted via GPS and onto the Locate my Plow online portal. This application is currently in beta and will continue to evolve. We appreciate any feedback provided. To send feedback or to report an error, please email [email protected]