Snow Plowing

The Town of Halton Hills Public Works staff works hard to clean, maintain, and provide safe routes of travel during the winter over our 1000 km of roads. Public Works staff applies salt, sand or a salt solution to Town streets.

Snow plow routes are determined and laid out according to traffic patterns and in accordance with accepted Town of Halton Hills Council policies.
All roads are cleared after every major storm.
Residents should note that Town staff has the added responsibility of clearing the Region roads in Halton Hills.
While we do not discourage residents from calling to inquire when their road will be plowed, we are asking for their patience as we work on clearing roads.

Plowing priorities

Priority 1 - Main arterial roads

Main routes are our first priority.

Georgetown
- Mountainview Road
- Guelph Street
- Trafalgar Road
- 15 Sideroad
Acton
- Main Street
- Mill Street

Priority 2 - Collector roads

Side streets that feed into the arterial roads. Even though these roads may be well travelled, they may not be designated Snow Routes. It’s best to park off these roads where possible so that the snow plows and snow clearing equipment can clear them more effectively.

Georgetown
- Argyll Road
- Danby Road
- Delrex Boulevard
Acton
- Acton Boulevard
- Tanners Drive

Priority 3 - Residential and rural roads

The last to be cleared of snow. This will start after main arterial and collector roads are cleared of snow and ice. Clearing main routes and side streets take a lot of time, so we ask your patience in getting your neighbourhood street cleared.

Georgetown

Berton Boulevard
Weber Drive
Bowman Street

Acton
- Peel Street
- Rosemary Drive
- Tidey Avenue
Rural
- Fifth Line
- Dublin Line
- Abbitt Crescent

Minimum maintenance standards

All municipalities in Ontario follow the Provincial Municipal Minimum Maintenance Standards regarding snow plowing.

Snow plow safety

If a snow plow is stopped, keep back a minimum of 15 metres so the operator can see your vehicle.
Give snow plows plenty of room and do not pass.
Snow plows leave a pile of snow on your driveway when they pass. These are called windrows. To reduce the windrow in your driveway, clear snow towards the right side of the driveway (facing the street).
Do not let children climb snow banks as they could slip off into the path of oncoming traffic.
Do not let children from tunnels into snow banks as the snow may collapse or be pushed down by plow equipment during clearing operations.
Please check that catch basins, culverts and fire hydrants are not blocked. This will ensure proper drainage when snow melts, and will provide fire fighters with a clear path to the hydrant in case of emergency.
Do not place or push snow or ice onto roadways. This is against the Town's Highway Encumbrance By-law No. 90-68, and Fouling and Encumbering of Public Roads By-law 2006-0054, and will result in a fine.

Salting and sanding

Pre-wetting technology

What is it?

The process of wetting salt with salt brine* before spreading salt on the roadway.
Is applied prior to a snow storm.
This process is done within the truck. All trucks are equipped with this technology.

Why we do this?

Wet salt reduces it’s bounce, and helps it to adhere to the road.
Wetting the salt prior to its landing on the road helps the salt to melt quicker. Since the salt dissolves faster, the snow and ice will also melt quicker.

*Salt Brine: A salt water solution composed of Rock salt and water.

Direct liquid application

What is it?

Spraying anti icing solutions directly on the roads surface.

Why we do this?

Works immediately
Prevents the accumulation of black ice, frost, and packed snow.
Acts like a barrier between the road and snow/ice.

Sanding

Sand is usually applied on hills, curves, and intersections in residential and rural areas when required.
Continuous sanding will only be carried out during freezing rain or ice packed conditions.

Frequently asked questions

When will my street be plowed?
The Town of Halton Hills priority for plowing is to first clear all arterial and collector roads before clearing the residential streets.
Why isn't my sidewalk cleared?
The Town's Sidewalk Snow Clearing By-law sets out the streets where the Town clears the snow and ice from over 157 km of sidewalks on arterial and collector roads and streets with schools. The Town of Halton Hills Property Standards By-law 2008-0137 states that property owners of multi-residential, commercial, industrial and institutional properties are required to clear snow and ice from sidewalks on their property.
Can you stop my neighbour from pushing snow onto the road?
Such action is prohibited by the Town's Obstruction Encumbering and fouling of the Highways By-law 90-68. Improper snow and ice cleaning can be a serious hazard to motorists and pedestrians. Community Standards 905-873-2600 ext. 2330
Why has the snowplow left a windrow of snow across my driveway?
It is the Town's responsibility to push the snow to the side of the road and create a clear path for vehicular traffic. To reduce the amount of snow in your driveway, clear snow toward the right side of your driveway (facing the street). This will reduce the amount of windrow left at the end of your driveway.
Why is my street only sanded and other streets are salted?
The Town has designated salt routes, which are the arterial and collector roads. Local residential streets are typically sanded.
When will snow removal be done?
The Town of Halton Hills has specific plans in place for clearing snow covered streets and sidewalks to help navigate your way while driving and walking in adverse weather conditions. The Town of Halton Hills maintains over 1000 km of roads and 27 municipal parking lots, as well as over 157 km of sidewalks.
Can you clear the snow banks at street intersections that are presenting a safety hazard?
If there is a concern that an intersection needs to be cleared due to obstruction of view, please notify Public Works, and the work will be scheduled after the snow removal areas are completed.
Can the Town clear the snow from the first hydrant on my street?
The Town does not clear snow around a fire hydrant. Surrounding neighbours are asked to assist in keeping fire hydrants clear.
Do we have a snow clearing program for seniors?
The Town does not have a snow clearing program for seniors. However, seniors and persons with disabilities who cannot arrange their own service provider can call Links to Care at 905-873-6502 in Georgetown, or 519-853-3310 in Acton, who will look for a contractor to remove snow at the resident's expense.
The snow plow has damaged my mailbox. Can it be fixed?
Yes, notify Public Works. Once a call is received, a Request for Service is made up, and staff will schedule the repair or replacement.
Can you repair the sod damaged by the sidewalk snow plow?
Yes, notify Public Works. In the spring, Town staff will topsoil and seed areas where the plow has caused damage. However, it is the homeowner's responsibility to care for the area, once it has been seeded.

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