Snow Removal

What the NRRM does

General snow clearing activities take place within standard hours of operation (Monday-Friday 7:30 am-4:30 pm).  In the event of a heavy or lengthy snowfall, our on-call procedure provides for snow removal services after hours and on weekends. When snow increases, so does the fleet. Crews focus on clearing Priority 1 areas being schools, the hospitals and core business areas and then move on to residential and industrial areas.  

Please be aware that our snow crews require your cooperation to keep our roads clear throughout the winter. We remind you to refrain from:

  • pushing snow from private driveways or parking lots on to the street or across the street
  • placing snow on boulevards at intersections
  • placing snow over sewer or manhole covers, water main valves or fire hydrants, or from
  • parking on streets and roads when the road needs clearing.

What is your Responsibility

Residents are responsible for clearing their own driveways of fallen snow, and snow that was left from road or sidewalk plows. Keeping driveways clear and shoveled helps to avoid windrows at the end of your driveway.

Applicable Bylaws - These requirements are enforced pursuant to Property Maintenance and Unsightly Premises Bylaw Section 3 and Traffic Control Bylaw Section 6.

Snow Removal and Other Winter Tips

Top 5 tips to prepare yourself for winter:

  1. Clear culverts before heavy snowfall: Check culvert openings on or near your property and remove debris, sand, ice, or other materials that could block water flow. This helps prevent flooding and drainage issues during rain or snowmelt.
  2. Remove personal property from public areas: Ensure trailers, recreational vehicles, and other items are moved off boulevards, roadways, and rights-of-way. Snow removal crews need clear access and space to safely plow and store snow during winter operations.
  3. Mark personal property: Clearly identify any items in or around boulevards—like driveway or culvert trim, gardens, or other belongings—so snow removal operators can see them under the snow. NRRM will try to avoid marked items, but is not responsible for any damage.
  4. Snow pack and driveway clearing: As winter continues, snow accumulates on roads. Graders will scrape off the packed snow, which can leave large chunks in your driveway. NRRM will follow shortly afterward to clear these chunks, typically by the end of the same working day.
  5. Prevent humps at driveway ends: Keep your driveway clear and shoveled. Driving over freshly plowed snow at the end of your driveway compresses it, creating “humps” that can make entering or exiting your driveway difficult.
Person shoveling snow outdoors in winter clothing.

Senior Snow Removal Program

The Senior Citizens Snow Removal Program helps seniors and residents who are physically unable to clear snow manage driveway snow removal. The Public Works Department will clear driveways for registrants who are 65 or older, as well as for those with physical limitations who lack snow-clearing resources and reside within the NRRM urban road network.

Please note: driveway clearing under this program occurs only after all NRRM snow-removal priorities have been completed, including streets, roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and trails. For complete registrant eligibility and program details, refer to the program Application Form.

Senior snow