Winter Plowing

Snow removal

In addition to street plowing streets, we remove snow from transit bus stops, sidewalks, school crossings, walkways, and many recreational trails.

Anti-icing

Before a winter event, our road crews may apply a liquid salt brine mixture to the primary roads to keep snow and ice from building up and sticking to the road. Anti-icing makes the roads easier to plow and may also reduce the need to use additional salt.

Salting and sanding

Salt is an effective material for controlling snow and ice on roads. When we receive a warning of an upcoming snowfall or icing, major arterial roads are anti-iced to prevent ice and snow from sticking to the roads. When using granular salt, it is placed on a narrow strip in the centre of the road and vehicular traffic will help to effectively work the salt towards the road edge. The combination of vehicular traffic, snow, ice and salt creates salt brine, which enables de-icing.

During a significant weather event, we will advise that motorists, pedestrians and residents use extra caution as the municipality may not be able to meet its maintenance standards for roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks due to the heavy snowfall expected. 

The declaration does not change how or when the municipality performs its winter maintenance operations. However, it may take us longer than usual to bring the roads and sidewalks back to a state of repair.  Public safety is our top priority.

The City of Belleville will provide updates when the significant weather event has ended. Please see the winter operation FAQ's below for more information. 

Which roads are cleared first?

• Priority routes: Arterial roads, collector roads and bus routes are cleared first. These are high-capacity urban roads that see the highest use and greatest speeds, such as North Front St., Bell Blvd., and Dundas St.
• Secondary routes: After the primary routes are done, residential streets are cleared.
• Cul-de-sacs: Typically, cul-de-sacs are cleared last. This is because they are dead ends with lower volume than most residential streets and must be cleared using both a plow truck to clear the road and a front end loader to clear the snow that accumulates at the end of the cul-de-sac. Collected snow may be placed in the centre of the cul-de-sac where feasible.

 When are sidewalks cleared?

 Are on-street, marked bike routes cleared of snow?

 How much snow removal equipment does the City have?

• 14 plow/sander routes
• 2 grader plow routes
• 3 front end loader routes
• 3 loader/backhoes to help to load material on trucks and clear snow
• 1 pickup truck with plow to clear small lanes and crossovers and select City parking lots
• 6 sidewalk plow routes

My driveway entrance is full of snow. Will the City clear it?

It is up to the property owner to remove the ridge left by the snow plow. When shoveling or snow-blowing your driveway, please do not shovel or blow snow into the street. Your cooperation reduces the time required to plow all streets, which in turn reduces overtime costs and your taxes.

Helpful tip: Piling snow to the right side of the driveway can help reduce the amount of snow pushed back into the driveway. Standing in the driveway and looking at the street determines the right side.

Need help?Learn more about the Snow Angels Program via the Services and Facilities page

The plow damaged my property, what can I do?

What does the City do to get ready for a forecast snow event?

What are the City's winter parking restrictions?

From November 2 to April 14, parking is not permitted on City streets between the hours of 1:00 am and 6:00 a.m. If you park on City streets, or in a City-owned parking lot, between 1:00 and 6:00 a.m. you run a high risk of having your vehicle ticketed and possibly towed.

 How can I help?

• Clear the Way: Before the snow flies, please remove basketball nets from roadways to avoid interfering with snow removal operations.
• Park Smart: Follow the City's Winter Parking Restrictions and do not park any vehicles over the sidewalk. Even a partially blocked sidewalk interferes with plowing.
• Slow Down: Reduce your driving speed to account for slippery road conditions and snow clearing operations during and after a snowstorm.
• Practice Plow Patience: Our plow operators work extremely hard to maintain high levels of service during a snow event and follow the priority guidelines. Please be patient while roads and sidewalks are being cleared. Don't pass an active plow on the right hand side – passing an active plow and following too closely is dangerous for you, the plow operator and other drivers. Snow plow operators will pull over and let you pass when it's safe to do so.

 Does the City provide free sand to residents?