As winter tightens its grip on London, Ontario, residents wielding shovels and snowblowers face a perennial question: where exactly should the snow from their driveways go? The answer is more than a matter of convenience; it's governed by city bylaws designed to keep everyone safe and city operations running smoothly.
Navigating London's Snow Clearing Bylaws
The City of London has specific regulations regarding snow placement. The most important rule is that it is illegal to shovel or blow snow from your private property onto city streets or sidewalks. This practice, often done to clear a driveway apron, can create hazardous ridges and piles on roadways, posing dangers for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. It also interferes with municipal snow-clearing equipment.
So, where should it go? The approved location is onto your own property, such as your front yard or lawn. While this may temporarily bury your garden or landscaping, it is the legally compliant and community-minded choice. Piling snow at the curb or edge of your property line is generally acceptable, provided it does not encroach onto the sidewalk or street.
Safety and Consideration: The Reasons Behind the Rules
These bylaws are not arbitrary. Dumping snow onto the road creates several significant risks. For pedestrians, especially those with mobility aids or strollers, unexpected mounds of snow at the end of a driveway can force them into traffic. For drivers, these piles reduce visibility and can become icy, hazardous obstacles.
Furthermore, when city plows come through, they push snow from the center of the road to the curb. If residents add their driveway snow to the street, it can result in a massive, hardened bank that is difficult for the plows to move and nearly impossible for residents to clear later. This can also lead to drainage issues when the snow melts.
Consequences and Community Responsibility
Failing to comply with these regulations can result in fines. By-law officers do patrol, and they can issue tickets to property owners who illegally deposit snow on city rights-of-way. More importantly, proper snow disposal is a matter of civic responsibility.
Clearing a path on your sidewalk within 24 hours after a snowfall ends is also a homeowner's duty in London. Ensuring that your snow removal efforts don't create new obstacles for others is part of that same social contract. As winter continues, taking a few extra moments to pile snow correctly helps keep London's streets and sidewalks safe for all throughout the season.
