Winter Maintenance | Town of Perth

Winter maintenance in Perth is essential to keeping our community safe and accessible during snowy and icy months. Our dedicated team works around the clock to clear roads, sidewalks, and public spaces, ensuring they remain safe for travel. This page provides information on our snow clearing priorities, resident responsibilities, parking restrictions, and more.

Whether you’re a resident or visitor, learn more about how we handle winter maintenance and what you can do to help keep our community safe.

Snow Clearing Priorities

Our snow clearing efforts prioritize safety and accessibility for all residents and follows the Minimum Maintenance Standards under the Municipal Act. Roads, sidewalks, and public spaces are cleared based on a priority system, with a focus on moving vehicles and pedestrians through Perth in a safe and efficient manner:

Roads: Main roads, including the downtown core and hospital/emergency routes, are cleared first, followed by school routes and then residential streets. Timelines for clearing depend on snowfall amounts and conditions. For example, during heavy snowfalls, crews may need to make multiple passes on main roads before moving on to local streets.
Sidewalks: Sidewalk clearing follows the same priority pattern as roads, focusing on main routes and school paths first, then moving to local areas.
Parking Lots and Public Spaces: Municipal parking lots, including those at our recreational facilities, are cleared once snow accumulation reaches 2.5 cm, with the goal of being prepared for vehicles during peak hours.

Snow removal vehicles clearing snow banks at night

Close up of boots and shovel while clearing snow

Resident Responsibilities

During the winter season, residents play a crucial role in keeping our neighbourhoods safe and accessible:

Roads and Sidewalks: Make sure all items - such as driveway markers, planters, and basketball nets - are cleared from the road and sidewalk allowance. Ensure all items are set back at least one metre to provide adequate space for plows.
Driveways: Avoid pushing snow onto sidewalks when clearing your driveway, and don't put it onto or across the road as this is against the Highway Traffic Act. Help keep pathways clear for pedestrians and traffic.
Fire Hydrants and Storm Drains: If there’s a hydrant or storm drain near your property, please help keep it clear of snow and ice to allow quick access in case of emergencies.

Parking Restrictions

To support efficient snow removal, winter parking restrictions are in place annually from November 20 to March 31. Overnight street parking is prohibited on all town streets from 12:01-6 a.m., allowing our snowplow operators full access to clear streets safely and thoroughly.

FAQs

What snow clearing equipment do we have?

Our team is equipped to handle heavy snowfall and icy conditions thanks to these our fleet of snow clearing equipment;

Two sidewalk plows,
Two loaders with plow and wing attachments,
One backhoe with two-way plow,
One large salt/sand truck with belly plow (a.k.a. Melton John), and
One medium duty salt/sand unit.

What do we use for ice control?

Depending on the situation, we use prewetted rock salt or a combination of salt and sand to prevent ice build up and improve traction. Environmental considerations are taken into account, and we aim to minimize the impact on local ecosystems.

What happens during a heavy snowfall event?

During a heavy snowfall event, main routes and access to emergency services are prioritized. This may mean multiple passes to high priority areas.

After the cessation of the snow event, secondary routes and residential routes are completed.

What should I do if a snowplow damages my lawn?

Please report any property damage as soon as possible by contacting us by phone at 613-267-3311 ext. 0, email, or by submitting a service request online.

We aim to have all lawn repairs completed by the end of May.

How can I help my neighbours with snow removal?

Check in with elderly or disabled neighbors who may need assistance clearing their sidewalks or driveways, and do your part to help friends and neighbours that may be having difficulty.

Why was my street cleared later than others?

Snow clearing follows a priority system, with main roads and emergency routes cleared first to ensure safe access across town.

Can I file a noise complaint if your snow clearing equipment is too loud?

No, snow removal equipment is exempt from our Noise By-Law.

What can I do if I have a complaint or request?

Contact us during Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. by phone at 613-267-3311 ext. 0 or by email.

Alternatively, you can report a concern 24/7 using our online form.