Road Patrol

Roads are patrolled for hazardous ice and snow conditions daily. Based on observations, maintenance activities may begin.

Salting and sanding of Town roads

Sand/salt trucks are dispatched when snow begins to accumulate on the road surface or at the first sign of ice formation on the roads. Occasionally, the roads may be treated with salt/sand or salt brine in the anticipation of a snow fall or icing event. Plowing will begin with the accumulation of 8 centimeters of snow.

Plowing

Secondary roads are plowed when snow accumulates to 8 centimeters (3 inches) within 12 hours of the end of the snow event. They are a priority for plowing ahead of Local roads.

Local roads are plowed after secondary roads when snow accumulation reaches 10 centimeters (4 inches) within 12 hours of the end of the snow event. Heavy snowfalls or successive storms can sometimes extend this period.

Sidewalks

Sidewalks are salt/sanded where the formation of ice and slippery conditions exist. Sidewalks are plowed after snow accumulation reaches 2.5 cm (1 inch) usually within 24 hours after the end of the storm. Sidewalks located on roads with schools and bus stops are plowed first. However, heavy snowfall or successive winter events may lengthen the time to clear all the sidewalks.

How you can help

• Remove ice, snow, and other obstructions from catch basins to allow proper drainage of snowmelt and rainwater.
• Park vehicles off the street. Vehicles left on the street during plowing operations will be ticketed.
• Do not let your vehicle overhang onto the road or sidewalk when parked.
• Make sure you or your snow removal contractor do not push snow or blow snow from your driveway onto the street or across the street onto other properties.
• Do not place snow or ice in a ditch or anywhere as it may obstruct a culvert or other drainage outlets
• Each time the snowplow clears the road it pushes snow to the curb and the end of your driveway. It is your responsibility to remove the windrow from the end of your driveway caused by the road plow.
• Pile snow on the right side of your driveway (when facing the road) when shoveling. This helps minimize the windrow of snow created by the snowplow at the end of your driveway.
• Remove snow from around fire hydrants.

What number do I call if I have a concern?

To report a snow related concern on primary roads, please call the Region of York at 905-830-4444 Ext. 75200. To report snow related concerns on secondary and local roads, as well as sidewalks, please call East Gwillimbury Customer Service at 905-478-4282. 

Are all roads cleared at once?

No. When streets require plowing, they are cleared within 24 hours after the end of the winter event whenever possible, although heavy snowfalls or successive storms can sometimes extend this period.

When does the Town plow and salt/sand?

When snow accumulation reaches 8 centimeters, the Town clears secondary roads and sidewalks first to ensure that emergency service vehicles can gain access throughout the Town. Local streets are plowed only after secondary roads are cleared and only when snow accumulation reaches 10 centimeters.

Salt/Sand trucks are dispatched at the first sign of roads beginning to ice and at the start of a snowfall.

What is "snow pack"?

Snow pack is hard-packed snow on a roadway. It is the condition that can be expected periodically on local roads. Snow pack develops quickly as vehicles travel on snow-covered roads and snow plows cannot scrape it off as it is bonded to the pavement.

Why does the snowplow leave a windrow at the end of my driveway?

A snow windrow is the pile of snow that accumulates at the end of driveways when the road is plowed.

Plow operators do not intentionally block driveways, but they have limited control over the amount and direction of snow that comes off the plow. When clearing the end of your driveway, try to pile the snow on the right side (standing in your driveway looking towards the street). This can help reduce the amount of snow that is pushed onto your driveway when a snowplow passes. The Town does not clear driveways.

Windrow clearing assistance

Local community organizations are available to assist residents with snow clearing. Details on available programs are below. For information on fees and available support, please contact the organization directly. 

Community and Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS)

CHATS provides a 2” (5 cm) snow clearing service through insured service providers for registered CHATS clients from November  15 to April 15. For more information, please visit the CHATS website.

Neighbourhood Network - Snow Angel Program Volunteers

If you live in EG and are looking to assist seniors with snow clearing, please visit Neighbourhood Network's website and register as a volunteer.

When are transit stops cleared?

York Region Transit clears snow from transit stops. If you have questions regarding a transit stop, contact 1-866-MOVEYRT (668-3978).

When can I expect my sidewalk to be cleared?

Sidewalks are cleared after snow accumulation reaches 2.5 centimeters.

Sidewalk clearing is generally completed within 24 hours after the end of the winter event. However, with a heavy snowfall or successive winter events, it will take longer to clear all sidewalks.

Why can't I push snow out onto the road?

Depositing snow or ice on the street creates hazardous traffic conditions and this could result in an accident. Make sure your snow removal contractor is aware that this practice is unsafe and not permitted.

What do I do if the snowplow hits my mailbox?

If your mailbox has been damaged during snow removal, call the Town at 905-478-4282. Staff will inspect the damage to determine the cause. If the damage was caused from contact with the plow, the Town will replace it with a standard mailbox on a 4"x 4" post. The Town does not repair or replace mailboxes knocked over by snow that is thrown off the plow blade.

I live on a corner lot – why do I have more snow in my driveway than my neighbours?

If you live on a corner property and the driveway is close to the corner, you can experience a buildup of more snow on your driveway than your neighbours. This is an unavoidable condition caused by the nature of the snowplow and its ability to maneuver turns.

Why is my lawn sometimes damaged by the sidewalk plow?

While operators try to be careful, some degree of damage is unavoidable. Sidewalk plows must be large enough to move deep heavy snow the full width of the sidewalk. Deep or drifted snow conditions often hide the sidewalk edge and, unfortunately, the plow can cause damage to grass. When sod is frozen, damage is minimal; however, when sod is not frozen, it lifts away very easily. To report sod damage, please call Customer Service at 905-478-4282. Staff will inspect the damage and make repairs in the spring.