Winter Operations Guide

As Chair of Public Works, I’m pleased to tell you that the city is prepared to tackle whatever winter throws at us. We have a great team and a great plan in place!

First and foremost, we’ve got a huge arsenal including 571 road plows, 329 sidewalk plows, 202 salt trucks and about 1,500 personnel.

There’s no doubt that snow clearing is a big operation – the city has 5,605 km of roads on 9,500 streets, along with 6,000 km of sidewalks and 262,000 driveways.

During a winter storm, the city’s priority is to clear expressways, collectors and main roads. It may take extra time to get out to the local streets.

Icy sidewalks are a serious pedestrian safety hazard, particularly for our older neighbours and those with accessibility issues. So please be nice and clear your ice!

Senior city staff advised that contacting 311, the city’s 24-hour service portal, after a storm is the fastest and most efficient way to report snow and ice issues. Each time you contact 311, your issue is recorded (with a service request number that can be tracked) and the request goes immediately to Transportation Services for investigation and follow up.

It’s also important to note that snow, ice and freeze-thaw cycles can cause serious damage to our roadways.

To report potholes, phone 311 or visit www.toronto.ca/311. Have the closest municipal address on hand – it helps pothole repair crews work efficiently.

As Chair of Public Works, I was pleased to show off the city’s arsenal of winter equipment!