Winter Maintenance | Township of Hamilton

The Township of Hamilton is committed to maintaining safe and accessible roads throughout the winter season. Our Public Works team patrols, plows, and applies de-icing materials following provincial standards and the Highway Traffic Act.

Plowing and Sanding

Snowplowing and sanding are prioritized based on road classification and traffic volume. Main roads, emergency routes, and school bus routes receive first attention, followed by residential and rural roads. During heavy or consecutive snowfalls, it may take longer to clear all roads. Crews work diligently to complete routes as quickly and safely as possible.

If you see a snowplow with its blade raised or not applying material, it is likely travelling to or from its assigned route, which may include County roads.

Please note: The Township does not supply salt or sand for public use.

Placing Snow in Right-of-Ways

Please keep snow piled on your own property. Pushing snow onto the road is illegal. Under the Highway Traffic Act, placing snow or ice on roads without written permission from the Ministry of Transportation or the responsible road authority is prohibited. Snow and ice on roadways can create hazards and interfere with essential maintenance.

Please avoid piling snow around fire hydrants. Clear access to hydrants is vital for emergency services year-round, and your cooperation helps keep everyone safe.

Here’s a helpful tip to reduce the need for clearing snow after the plow passes your driveway:

Shovel snow to the right side of your driveway, following the direction of traffic flow. This helps prevent the plow from pushing snow back onto your cleared driveway.
Create a small "collection pocket" on the left side of your driveway. Clearing a space here gives the plow a place to push snow, reducing buildup in your driveway.

This simple strategy can save time and frustration during winter storms. And when heavy snow adds up quickly, consider lending a hand to neighbors who may need extra help.

Winter Parking Restrictions

The Township of Hamilton enforces parking regulations to help keep our roads safe and accessible for everyone.

Winter Parking Hours in Effect – Help Keep Our Roads Safe This Winter.

The Township of Hamilton has a winter parking ban from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., every day of the week.

As of November 1, the Township of Hamilton’s Winter Parking Hours are in effect. The Winter Parking Hours will remain in effect, until April 30. To support safe and efficient snow clearing, please remember: No vehicles, trailers, equipment, or materials may be parked or placed on Township roads or right-of-way between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Keeping the roads clear overnight helps our Public Works team plow and sand safely, reducing hazards for all drivers.

To learn more about where and when you can park, visit our By-law Enforcement webpage.

Mailboxes and Snow Clearing

Mailboxes are the responsibility of property owners. The Township does not clear snow around mailboxes or guarantee rural mail delivery access after snow clearing.

Standard mailboxes damaged by Township equipment may be replaced upon approval, but the Township is not responsible for damage caused by snow thrown from plows.

To report a mailbox damaged by a snowplow, use our Report an Issue webpage.

Significant Weather Events and Road Safety

The Township may declare a significant weather event when conditions meet the criteria outlined in the Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways (Ontario Regulation 239/02). When this happens, road maintenance operations may take longer than usual, but public safety remains our top priority. Residents are advised to use extra caution while driving or walking during these events.

To stay safe during winter weather, the Ministry of Transportation recommends the following:

Install winter tires for better traction
Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle with items such as a blanket, flashlight, non-perishable food, and water
Drive according to road and weather conditions, and use extra caution around snowplows

For more winter safety information, visit our Emergency Preparedness webpage.

The Township will share updates through our website, social media, and public notices and alerts until the event has ended. Subscribe to receive timely notifications and follow us on social media to stay informed during winter weather events.

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Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve put together answers to some of the questions we hear most often about winter road maintenance in the Township of Hamilton. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us, we’re happy to help!

Snow Clearing Frequently Asked Questions

When will my road be cleared of snow?
Plow operators work hard at clearing all roads on their routes as soon as possible, but exact times cannot be provided for when your road may be cleared of snow. The exact time plowing begins, and ends, is unpredictable. If you must drive before your road is plowed and sanded, please drive with caution and allow yourself extra time for travel.

I just cleared my driveway and the plow filled it back in. What can be done?
While our plow operators do their best to avoid this, it is common to need to clear driveways multiple times during or after heavy snowfall.

Why can’t the plow blade be lifted at my driveway?
Plow blades must remain on the ground to clear roads effectively and maintain safe driving conditions.

Can I push snow across the road?
No. The Highway Traffic Act prohibits depositing snow or ice on roadways without written permission from the road authority.

Does the Township clear all roads at once?
Roads are cleared based on traffic volume and priority. Heavy snowfall or consecutive storms may cause delays in clearing all roads.

How can I help?

Please be patient while you wait for your street to be cleared.
Reduce the height of the snowbank at the end of your property by shoveling snow back further onto your property - this improves visibility when entering or exiting your driveway.
Pile snow on the right side of your driveway (as you face the street) so that cleared snow does not get moved back into your driveway by the snowplow
Place your garbage, green bin and recycling at ground level, with a clear path from the road.
Remove snow accumulations around exit doors, stairways, fire escapes and furnace vents.
Drive according to the conditions, give yourself extra time.
Give plows plenty of room and remember they may have to back up.