The Town of Halton Hills Public Works staff maintains safe routes of travel during winter to our over 1,000 km of roads and 160 km of maintained sidewalks. The town also clears Regional roads within Halton Hills. Operations are planned and executed in accordance with Provincial Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways (O. Reg. 239/02).
While residents are not discouraged from calling to inquire when their road or sidewalk will be cleared, we do ask for your patience as we work through the clearing of roads and sidewalks.
Winter Overnight Parking Restrictions |
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On-street overnight parking is restricted annually from November 15 to April 15 the following year, between the hours of 2 and 6 a.m. (Uniform Traffic Control By-law No. 2023-0094). The overnight parking restriction applies to all streets under the jurisdiction of the Town of Halton Hills, unless authorized signs indicating otherwise are specifically posted. Improper snow and ice clearing can be a serious hazard to motorists and pedestrians. Ensure your safety and the safety of others by avoiding parking on streets during snowstorms to assist Public Works staff with snow removal and winter control.
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Road Clearing |
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All roads are cleared after every major storm. When all streets need plowing, the aim is to complete plowing within 24 hours after the end of the storm. Heavy snowfalls or successive storms can sometimes extend this period beyond 24 hours. Priority 1 - Main arterial roadsMain roads, those with the greatest volumes of traffic, are treated with salt and plowed to achieve bare pavement. Salt trucks are dispatched to main roads to apply material at the first sign of roads beginning cover with snow or ice. In very cold temperatures, the effectiveness of salt is reduced, so occasionally sand may be used instead. When accumulations warrant, snow is plowed-off of main roads. When conditions allow, a solution of salt brine will be applied to designated main roads in advance of snowfall. This helps to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement, so plows can more easily clear the snow away and reduce the need for salt. Examples:
Priority 2 - Collector roadsCollector roads, or secondary roads that lead to primary roads are also salted (or sanded) and plowed to achieve bare pavement. These roads are treated after main roads. Examples:
Priority 3 - Residential and rural roadsResidential and Rural roads are not salted to achieve bare pavement and periodic snowpack conditions can be expected. The plowing of Residential and Rural roads starts after main arterial and collector roads are cleared of snow and ice. Residential and Rural roads are sanded, as required, to provide traction. Sand is usually applied on hills, curves, and intersections when required. Continuous sanding will only be carried out during freezing rain or ice packed conditions. Examples:
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Sidewalk Clearing |
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When sidewalks need plowing, the aim is to complete plowing within 24 - 48 hours after the end of the storm, depending on the amount of snowfall and successive storms. Other than downtown areas, sidewalks are typically not salted to achieve bare pavement and periodic snowpack conditions can be expected. Sand is usually applied to sidewalks when required, and salt may be applied in ice conditions. The Town maintains only designated sidewalks during winter. Approximately 160 km of sidewalks and pathways, or just over half of all the sidewalks and walkways in the community, are maintained. In order to preserve reasonable budgetary expense, By-law No. 2007-0003 provides the Council-approved criteria for the provision of snow clearing services and list of sidewalks receiving the service. The criteria includes sidewalks with traffic exceeding 1,000 vehicles/day (typically main roads and collector roads) and sidewalks adjacent to schools. |
Snow plow safety |
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Salt Management |
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Road salts (primarily sodium chloride) are the conventional de-icing/anti-icing chemicals for maintaining winter safety due to their cost, effectiveness and ease of handling. The amount of salt used is a function of level of service policies, the transportation network, weather conditions and operational practices. The use of salt has adverse environmental impacts. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) released a “Code of Practice for the Environmental Management of Road Salts” (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2004). As part of the Code of Practice, Halton Hills maintains a Salt Management Plan (SMP) and reports status annually. The content of this SMP is consistent with recommendations for SMP content found in the Code of Practice and assesses current town practices against industry best practices. A Salt Management Plan provides the means through which an organization commits to implementing salt best management practices as it fulfills its obligation to provide safe, efficient and cost-effective transportation systems. The Clean Water Act, 2006 was enacted to ensure clean, safe and sustainable drinking water for Ontarians, by protecting sources of municipal drinking water including lakes, rivers and well water. Source Protection Plans (SPP) contain policies that recommend or require actions be taken to address activities identified as threats to drinking water. Halton Hills lies within three Source Protection Regions, each having SPPs approved by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change. Through its Salt Management Plan, the Town follows best practices, including: Pre-wettingWhat is it?
Why we do this?
*Salt Brine: A 23.3% sodium chloride solution. Direct Liquid ApplicationWhat is it?
Why we do this?
Help Protect the Environment by Using Less SaltRoad salt works well to melt ice and snow around your property but it also has long-term impacts on the environment. Check out these tips to clear your driveways, walkways and sidewalks and keep safe while using less salt!
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Frequently asked questions |
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