No. Primary and secondary roads are plowed first to ensure that emergency service vehicles can travel safely. Residential streets are plowed only after snow accumulates in excess of 10 centimetres (4 inches). When all streets require clearing, they are plowed within 24 hours after the end of the storm. The heavier the snowfall, the longer it will take to clear all the streets.
What are primary, secondary and residential roads?
Primary roads are those with the greatest volume of traffic such as Trafalgar Road and Upper Middle Road. Secondary roads, such as Glenashton Drive and West Oaks Trails, are roads that have less traffic than primary roads, but also have bus routes and lead to primary roads. Residential roads, such as Sandlewood Road and Belyea Road, have much less traffic than the other two roadways.
When are roads sanded and/or salted?
Sand and/or salt trucks are dispatched to primary and secondary roads at the start of a snowfall and at the first sign of roads beginning to ice. Residential roads are treated as required at hills, curves and intersections.
Does the Town clear the pile of snow the plow leaves in my driveway (windrow)?
Residents are responsible to remove the windrow, but the Town does have a windrow removal program for seniors and people with physical disabilities. Cost is $50 for the season. Call 905-338-SNOW (7669) or visit the Links2Care Oakville website for more information.
When are sidewalks cleared?
Sidewalks are cleared after snow accumulates in excess of 5 cm (2 inches), and only after roads are cleared. Sidewalks on primary and secondary roads with schools are plowed first, followed by residential sidewalks.
When is cul-de-sac plowing completed?
For cul-de-sacs, snow clearing is normally a two stage operation; initially one pass is made clockwise around the cul-de-sac with a residential road plow and a final cleanup is done with front end loaders to distribute the snow strategically around the cul-de-sac minimizing the snow windrows at the base of the driveways. This operation normally is completed within 12 to 24 hours after the residential road plow has been completed.
There are often times I park my car on the street overnight. Can I do this in the winter?
The Town's by-law, 1984-1 prohibits parking of vehicles on Town streets between 2 and 6 a.m. from November 15 to April 15. Snow crews can do a more efficient job when there are no cars parked on the street. If parked vehicles are a problem on your street, please call Parking Enforcement at 905-338-4394.
What should I do if it is garbage day and the road has not been plowed?
Put your garbage out as usual and if the garbage trucks can not get down your road, they will be back the next day. For more information on garbage pickup, blue box recycling, composting and waste disposal issues call Halton Region at 905-825-6000.
Who is responsible for clearing snow around bus shelters and bus stops?
The Town of Oakville. Please call 905-815-2020 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to advise them of snow or ice at bus stops or shelters.
Who is responsible for clearing snow around Canada Post Super Mailboxes?
Canada Post. If your mailbox is blocked by snow, please call Canada Post at 1-800-267-1177.
Who repairs my mailbox/sod/curb if it is damaged by a Town plow?
Any damage caused by municipal snow plow should be reported to the Town by calling 905-338-4392 so it can be inspected and where applicable, will be repaired in the spring clean-up operation. This does not apply to residents that have private curbs/landscapes which occupy/encroach upon the municipal road allowance.
How many kilometres of road and sidewalk does the Town clear during and after a snow event?
In total, the Town provides winter maintenance to more than 1,800 lane kilometres of Regional and Town roads, the equivalent of driving from Oakville to Halifax, and more than 880 kilometres of sidewalks.
Does the level of service for snow clearing vary on the amount of taxes a neighbourhood pays?
No. The level of service is the same for all residents.
Is there somewhere I can call to find out about snow maintenance?
Yes. The Town has a recorded message on their snow phone line (905-815-5999) that is updated with the latest plowing information for Oakville streets. The Snow Removal and Winter Storm Information web page also has general information on snow clearing as well as a tracking program that allows residents to follow the progress of snow clearing. Get in the know about snow!
