Winter Cleanup Responsibility in Windsor-Essex After Major Snowfall
A substantial snowfall that covered Windsor-Essex over the weekend has left roads and sidewalks buried under a thick blanket of snow. This situation raises a familiar wintertime question for residents attempting to dig out: who is actually responsible for clearing what in the aftermath of such a storm?
The answer to this question depends significantly on where you live within the region. Despite the frigid temperatures that often accompany these weather events, some local residents must still head outdoors to perform the necessary cleanup work.
Municipal Rules Vary Across the Region
Sidewalk snow removal regulations differ widely by municipality throughout Windsor-Essex. Some communities place the responsibility squarely on property owners, while others handle the task entirely through municipal crews and contractors.
Across Windsor-Essex, responsibility for clearing sidewalks typically falls either on adjacent property owners or the municipality itself, depending on local bylaws and established policies.
Windsor's Specific Snow Removal Requirements
According to the City of Windsor, residents bear responsibility for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks that abut their property. The city advises residents to remove snow completely from their sidewalks to ensure safe and free passage for pedestrians.
Residents should be aware that they may need to clear sidewalks more than once during a storm, as snow plows can push additional snow onto sidewalks during road clearing operations.
Commercial property owners face stricter timelines, with just four hours to clear their sidewalks following snowfalls during daylight hours. If snow falls overnight, they have four hours after sunrise to complete the task.
Enforcement and Consequences for Non-Compliance
If sidewalks remain improperly cleared, the city warns that its crews or contractors may intervene and charge property owners for snow and ice removal. This applies to sidewalks in front of, alongside, or at the rear of single-family homes, multi-family residences, and commercial properties, regardless of whether they are occupied or vacant.
The cost of such work can be recovered by the city and added to property taxes in the same manner as municipal taxes, according to the city's snow removal bylaw. The bylaw also permits enforcement actions against violators.
Anyone found to be in violation of the snow removal regulations may, upon conviction, face a fine of up to $5,000 under the Provincial Offences Act.
Municipal Operations and Special Circumstances
On Sunday, the city advised residents that the snow accumulation had reached such significant levels that it triggered neighborhood residential street plowing operations.
For those unable to clear snow from their sidewalks due to age or disability, Windsor offers a Snow Angels program. This initiative matches volunteers with seniors and people with disabilities who require assistance with snow removal. Residents can access this service by calling 311.
The recent snowfall serves as a reminder that winter in Windsor-Essex brings not only picturesque scenes but also practical responsibilities for property owners throughout the region.
