Sidewalk Snow Removal
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Snow and ice removal
Clarington's snow clearing by-law gives property owners 24 hours after the end of a snowfall to clear snow and ice from sidewalks bordering their property. Residents must clear the sidewalks of snow to their full width, including between snowfalls or when drifting occurs.
You must also clear "corner links", as shown below:
Failing to clear the sidewalk of snow and ice could result in a penalty of the cost of the Municipality completing the work plus a $50 administrative fee.
It is the property owner's responsibility to use safety salt or sand on ice and slippery surfaces if necessary.
New municipal sidewalk snow-clearing program
To help improve accessibility in our community, Clarington is launching a new municipal sidewalk snow-clearing program for the 2023-24 winter season. Clarington crews will now be responsible for plowing and salting sidewalks on primary routes, pedestrian crossovers, and school crossings. The sidewalks selected for this program are located on arterial roads—or main routes—identified in downtown and high-traffic areas that people would typically use to travel within the main areas of the community.
Property owners are still required to maintain sidewalks and clear windrows under Clarington’s snow-clearing by-law. As we implement this new service across Clarington, we thank residents for their patience and understanding.
Frequently asked questions
| What sidewalks are being cleared by the municipality, and how were these locations selected? |
| Arterial roads are main routes identified in downtown and high-traffic areas that people would typically use to travel main areas of the community. View our map to see the sidewalks that will be cleared as part of this program. |
| I am signed up Snow Clearing Program for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities. Why do I still need to pay when the Municipality is now clearing my sidewalk for free? |
| Under the Snow Clearing Program for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities, windrows are also cleared to ensure full accessibility. Staff will be reviewing the program for the 2024-25 winter season. |
| How quickly after a snowfall will the Municipality clear sidewalks? |
| The 2023-24 winter season is the first time the municipality is taking on sidewalk clearing on arterial roads. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to set service levels with this new program. Staff are scheduled to work early in the morning to clear snow and will also work after hours as needed. |
| How can I share feedback about the municipal sidewalk snow-clearing program? |
| Report a problem or complaint about snow or ice-covered sidewalks by logging into the Service Clarington portal or call 905-623-3379. For general questions about the program, please contact operations@clarington.net or call 905-623-3379 ext. 2661. |
| Why is it important to clear sidewalks? |
| Residents who use wheelchairs, walkers, canes, strollers and even our youngest residents find it hard to navigate the sidewalks when snow is piled high. Snow or ice covered sidewalks can be treacherous for all residents. To avoid icy sidewalks pedestrians often use roadways causing a traffic and safety hazard. |
| What happens after I receive a "yellow door hanger"? |
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After we receive and process the photos and contractor's invoice, you will receive an invoice from the Municipality of Clarington to cover the cost of the snow removal. To dispute the work or the invoice, contact By-Law Services. |
If you receive a "yellow door hanger," our Municipal contractor has been sent out in response to a complaint about the sidewalk bordering your property. The contractor has carried out the work necessary to ensure the sidewalk is clear of snow and ice.Report snow or ice-covered sidewalks
To help serve you better and provide more efficient service, we’ve launched Service Clarington — a new online customer portal. File by-law complaints, report problems, and apply and pay for permits and licences in one convenient place. Get started by visiting service.clarington.net to create an account.
Report snow or ice-covered sidewalks by logging in to the Service Clarington portal or call 905-623-3379. You will need to provide specific address information.
We accept complaints after at least 24 hours of clear weather.
The Municipal contractor attends every property listed in a complaint. The contractor will take a photo of the area before and after the work is performed, and hang a "yellow door hanger" on the door of the property explaining the situation.
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