Why does the snowplow leave such a windrow across my driveway after I've just shovelled it out? The trucks salt first and then plow, which usually means that many residents have already shovelled their driveway by the time the plow comes by. The plows are designed to remove snow from the road and deposit it on the boulevard. Driveways form part of the boulevard. Pickering doesn't have the resources to remove the snow from driveways. We appreciate that this can be frustrating, however, we ask your cooperation in clearing the snow without placing it on the roadway, as this is dangerous and in contravention of the Highway Traffic Act.
Why does the City salt first, then plow? When snow has accumulated, salt is applied to the road surface. The reaction of salt and the moisture in the snow creates a "brine" solution, breaking the bond between snow and road. City trucks plow later, removing the "slushy" snow, which results in better traction. The plow blade rides slightly above the road surface, therefore the salt is not entirely plowed off the road.
When is the plow getting to my street? Refer to the Order of Operations under Road Snow Clearing and Removal. Generally, the trucks salt all roads for the first (4-6 hours), then the priority streets are plowed (less than 2 hours), and then the remaining streets are started. Where your street lies in relation to where the plow starts, determines the time it takes to get there. Usually, an urban route is completely salted and plowed within 12-18 hours. Keep in mind that all streets are plowed before the crew goes home.
I've shovelled my driveway, and a day or two later the plow truck has filled it back in - why? In a major snowstorm the trucks do not initially perform a full road width plowing. This is the most efficient and effective way to get the city moving. Crews return a day or two later to perform "clean-up operations". This completely opens the street for maximum efficiency, moves remaining snow onto boulevards, clears catch basins for potential water runoff, allows on street parking, and creates storage space for the next storm.
Is salt dangerous to the environment? There have been numerous studies in the last few years to determine the environmental impacts of road salt. Environment Canada will not ban the use of road salt as it is not harmful to humans, but has declared it as CEPA Toxic (i.e. toxic to the environment). Road authorities will be required to take action by improving their own management of road salt, to reduce the environmental effects. The City of Pickering is currently reviewing the winter control operations and evaluating new technologies and processes, to reduce the amount of road salt required in managing snow and ice. Equipment that allows computer metering of salt distribution and pre-wetting, increasing the action and adhesion of road salt, are two areas that are currently being investigated.
I am a senior, what services can the City of Pickering provide me for snow removal? The City of Pickering offers a Seniors & Persons with Disabilities Snow Clearing Program to assist with sidewalk snow clearing responsibilities and home access, for up to 300 qualified Pickering residents. Please click here for full details, and the required application form.
I live on a corner lot, why do I end up with an excessive amount of snow at the bottom of my driveway? Due to accumulation on the side street (with no intercepting driveways), the snow gets released at the first driveway the plow reaches. Not much can be done to solve this during the snow emergency. If there is an over excessive amount, phone the Customer Care Centre at 905.683.7575, arrangements will be made for the area to be inspected.
I live on a court, when will the pile of snow in the center of the court be removed? The snow piles in the center of courts are removed by front-end loaders. This will be done as soon as possible after the snow removal as part of the "clean-up operations".
Sod Driveway
or Curbs Mailbox
(if it is damaged or knocked down
- in the rural area)
My garbage and recycling bins are constantly buried by the plow. What can I do about this? The City encourages residents during the winter season to place their bags and bins far enough back on the driveway to avoid being buried.
Why doesn't the plow do a better job clearing the centre of a cul-de-sac? It is very difficult for our larger plow units to manoeuvre in the centre of a cul-de-sac to clear all the snow. As more snow builds up throughout the winter, these units have a progressively more difficult time completing this task. A smaller plow unit is used to clean up the cul-de-sac and when required, a front-end loader is used to complete the snow clearing operation (pending scheduling and equipment availability). Once a significant amount of snow accumulates in the cul-de-sac, we attempt to remove it.
Severe weather conditions, mandatory working regulations, and other factors may delay our ability to clear all City roads of snow and ice. Even when all of our equipment is at work, heavy or drifting snow may re-cover streets before repeat clearing is possible. We ask that you give us time to manage the snowstorm, but if you feel that our crews have missed your street, contact 905.683.7575. What
Should I Do?
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