With the winter season firmly established, the City of Barrie has activated its comprehensive snow removal operations to keep roads safe and accessible. Residents play a crucial role in this community-wide effort, and understanding the local bylaws is key to avoiding penalties and helping crews work efficiently.
Understanding Barrie's Snow Clearing Schedule and Priorities
The city's public works department follows a clearly defined priority system when plowing snow. Primary arterial roads and bus routes are addressed first to maintain critical traffic flow and emergency vehicle access. Collector roads and secondary streets are next in line, with residential areas and cul-de-sacs typically cleared last.
This staged approach ensures that the most vital transportation corridors are open as quickly as possible following a snowfall. The entire process can take up to 24 hours after a storm has ended to complete. Residents are advised to monitor local forecasts and plan accordingly.
Resident Responsibilities and Key Bylaws
While the city handles roadways, property owners have specific obligations. Sidewalks adjacent to your property must be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours after a snowfall ends. This rule is in place to ensure safe passage for pedestrians, including children walking to school and mail carriers.
Another critical regulation involves winter parking. To allow plows to clear streets effectively, overnight street parking is prohibited from December 1 to March 31 between 2:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Vehicles left on the street during this time are subject to tickets and towing at the owner's expense. The city encourages the use of driveways or designated off-street parking areas during the winter months.
How to Report Issues and Stay Informed
If you notice a road that has been missed or a sidewalk that remains dangerously icy after the clearing period, you can report it to the city's customer service line. It's also important to keep fire hydrants near your property clear of snow for emergency access.
Staying updated on snow removal progress and any declared "Snow Events"—which may trigger additional parking restrictions—is easy through the City of Barrie's official website and social media channels. By following the rules and planning ahead, residents can work together with municipal crews to ensure a safer winter for everyone in Barrie.
