News release

Please Don’t Blame the Messenger, but Winter is Coming

City services | October 28, 2022

The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a cold and snowy 2022-2023 winter season. You might believe it’s too early to start thinking about the snow but, just like putting snow tires on your car, planning before the snow falls is smart!

The City’s winter maintenance crews have pulled out their toques and gloves and are preparing for this winter with 180 salt and plow trucks, 46 plow loaders and 275 sidewalk and bus pad clearing units. Here are some tips to get ready yourself!

Get a helping hand

When plows pass your driveway, a pile of snow collects. This snow pile is called the windrow.

To help make winter a little easier on people who need it, the City’s winter maintenance includes a first come, first served Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing Program. The program is meant for eligible residents aged 65 years and older or for persons with disabilities. Through the program, the City clears enough snow from the windrow (not the entire driveway) for one car to pass safely.

Find out if you are eligible and apply for the program before Friday, November 18.

Be patient

While our crews work around the clock, all of this snow clearing activity takes time and is scheduled based on priorities. The City first clears priority roads for emergency vehicles and bus routes. After that, the City clears secondary roads and then tackles windrows. Snow clearing can take up to 36 hours after snowfall stops.

Priority roads are routes for emergency vehicles, public transportation and most street traffic. Certain residential roads are also considered priority roads, depending on their location.

There are also regional roads in Mississauga. The City clears some of these regional roads on behalf of the Region of Peel, while the Region clears the following:

  • Airport Road
  • Britannia Road West/Hurontario Street to western City limits
  • Derry Road East and West
  • Dixie Road
  • Erin Mills Parkway/North Sheridan Way to Mississauga Road/Turner Valley Road
  • Mississauga Road/Turner Valley Road to northern City limits

Pitch in

Be a good neighbour and make sure you clear your sidewalk and driveway of snow and ice as soon as possible after a snowfall to help people travel safely past your home.

Shovel safely

Avoid injuries like heart stress caused by overexertion by warming up before heading out. Warming up can also help prevent muscle and back injuries. Dress for the weather to prevent hypothermia or frostbite. Make sure you are following good form when shovelling. Wear boots meant for slippery surfaces and move slowly to prevent slips.

Train well

There is no time like the present to get shovel ready for winter by taking exercise classes or using City facilities listed on Active Mississauga. Winter doesn’t have to mean hibernation but take rests when you are shovelling or clear your driveway in sections throughout the day.

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Media contact

City of Mississauga Media Relations
media@mississauga.ca
905-615-3200, ext. 5232
TTY: 905-896-5151