Entrance Snow Removal Services

What happens when it starts to snow?

Depending upon the timing and nature of the pending storm, crews are brought in and put on stand-by. Once the storm starts, salt trucks are sent out on designated salt routes to apply salt as necessary.

Why do I never see a salt truck when it snows?

It all depends upon where you live. The City’s main salt routes are maintained by 21 vehicles covering 1,067 lane kilometers or road at a cost of approximately $12,000/hour. Depending upon the time of day, traffic volumes and snowfall amounts, the average routes can take between 3 and 6 hours to complete one pass. The trucks will continue back over these routes until the storm has stopped and these streets are clear of snow and ice.

Why don’t we plow and salt all the streets in the City, specifically secondary and residential streets?

Secondary and residential streets are not plowed and salted unless the City has received a snowfall in excess of 10 centimeters (4 inches). The cost to plow and salt all residential streets is in excess of $300,000 per event. A balanced level of service according to the roadway classification and traffic volumes reduces both equipment costs and salt usage. This balanced level of service has long proven to be the most efficient with respect to maximizing the available tax dollars and minimizing environmental damage.

Why do you not use sand for winter control?

Salt is a very effective de-icing agent and is effective to temperatures as low as -12oC (10oF). Sand has no de-icing properties. It is mainly used where winter temperatures are continually below -12oC (10oF). Sand is an abrasive substance and is used to increase traction for vehicles. However, cleanup of sand from roadways and sewers throughout the municipality proves cost prohibitive.

Why does the plow not remove all of the snow from my road?

The plows are designed to ride on “guides” (shoes) that raise the blade approximately 13 millimeters (0.5 inches) from the surface of the roadway. This is done to prevent damage to both the vehicle and infrastructure from raised manholes, catch basins or water valves. Once the street has been plowed and salted, the interaction of the salt and vehicular traffic is required to melt the remaining snow cover. Streets with low traffic volumes will therefore remain snow covered longer.

Who is responsible for the clearing of wheelchair ramps?

The abutting property owner is responsible to clean the wheelchair ramp up to the edge of pavement.

Who is responsible for clearing bus stops?

Presently there is no formal policy to clear bus stops. However, the abutting property owners are responsible for clearing the sidewalks. In snowfall events in excess of 15 centimeters (6 inches) accumulation, Transit Windsor priority 1 & 2 bus stops will be cleared.

How much does the City spend on winter control annually?

Winter control costs can significantly vary from year to year depending on the severity of the winter weather. The Public Works Operations Department budgets approximately $4 million annually for their winter control operations.