Snow Removal Process

The City of St. Catharines follows a snow removal process to ensure that all roadways and sidewalks are cleared efficiently and safely. 

Snow plow routes

Please see the most updated winter maintenance maps below.View our snow removal maps to check out our snow plow routes in the City:

• Snow removal for priority roads
• Snow removal for main roads
• Snow removal for secondary roads

Learn about these various road categories for more information.

Priority roads

All priority roads are cleared to bare pavement condition and are our first stop on our snow removal route. Priority roads are classified by: High traffic volume roads Critical areas Steep hills and curves Bridges Emergency, fire and hospital routes

Main roads and designated secondary roads

Main roads are cleared after priority roads and then designated secondary roads are addressed after main roads are cleared. Main roads are classified by: Medium volume roads Bus routes Less critical hills and curves Direct access to Schools

Residential roads

Residential roads are plowed and sanded as necessary to provide safe travel. These are only serviced after the priority, main and designated secondary roads are cleared. Residential roads are all other streets within St. Catharines.

Snow removal response times

View our service response targets to learn about our snow removal process for each road category. Please note that target service times are estimated and may be shorter than those specified.

In the event of an extreme weather hazards, a Significant Weather Event may be declared and working hours will be extended.

If you believe we have not fulfilled our service response targets, learn how you can submit a snow removal report 24 hours after the weather event has ended.

Winter response targets

City road classification	Primary roads	Main and designated secondary roads	Secondary Roads (residential): Through Road	Secondary Roads (residential): Cul-de-sac
Ice mitigation: Target time for salting or sanding	2 hours	5 hours	16 hours	16 hours
Plowing: Threshold for snow removal	2.5 cm	5 cm	8 cm	8 cm
Plowing: Target time for snow removal	4 hours after threshold met	8 hours after threshold met	24 hours after the end of the winter event	36 hours after the end of the winter event
Bare pavement	Yes	Yes	No	No
Working hours	24-hour coverage	4 a.m. to 8 p.m.	7 a.m. to 8 p.m.	7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Clearing of priority sidewalks	48 hours after end of event	48 hours after end of event	48 hours after end of event	48 hours after end of event

Please note: Depending on when the winter event occurs, the target service times may be less, or more, than those specified. Regardless of the situation, deployment of resources will begin on primary and main routes, and only be shifted to secondary roads when those classifications are addressed, and thresholds are met. When a weather hazard, either forecasted or occurring, has the potential to pose a risk to users of roadways, the City may declare a significant weather event. This declaration, announced on the City's website and social media, suspends standard timelines required to meet winter maintenance objectives. It does not mean a reduced service levels - it is in place to notify the public that it may take longer than usual to restore conditions back to a normal state of repair. 

Snow removal process

At each stage of our snow removal process, we are committed to doing everything we can to keep roads clear and safe.

Before a winter event

We are always monitoring weather patterns to spot any winter storms that could impact the city. Sometimes a few days or hours prior to winter storms, our crew will apply a layer of brine on priority roads to prevent snow and ice from forming on the road.

During a winter event

During a winter event, we take these steps to ensure roads are kept clean and passable:

1. Salt trucks are dispatched on priority roads when snow starts
2. Work trucks will begin plowing once salt begins dissolving ice and snow
3. Work trucks will continue to plow priority roads until bare pavement remains visible
4. Main roads will be salted and plowed after all priority roads are cleared
5. Designated secondary roads will be salted and plowed after main roads and cleared
6. If residential roads meet the snow or ice accumulation threshold and all designated secondary roads are cleared, crew will begin sanding and plowing residential roads

Please wait 24 hours after snow has stopped falling before contacting us about snow removal delays on your street.

Equipment safety

Equipment with flashing blue lights is either spraying brine, salting, sanding or plowing - please remain a safe distance back. Winter control equipment must travel at reduced speeds to plow and apply sand, salt and brine properly.

Applying salt and sand

Salt and sand are applied to priority roads early in the storm event to prevent snow accumulation. Salt creates a brine when applied to ice and snow, which turns the snow into slush, making it easier to plow.

Critical areas receive top priority, such as steep hills, curves, bridges, major intersections and approaches to railway crossings. Please note, when temperatures reach below a certain threshold, salt will become ineffective and will not be applied.

Other transit routes

View our snow removal information for other transit routes within the City.

Highways

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is responsible for snow removal on all 400 series highways and the QEW, including on and off ramps. Contact the MTO at 1.800.268.4686 for highway winter road conditions or to report dangerous conditions.

Parks and trails

City parks and trails are closed in the winter. Therefore, City crews do not provide snow removal service for parks and trails, or parking lots connected to parks and trails.

Canada Post super boxes

Canada Post is responsible for clearing snow away from the base around super boxes.

Bus Routes

Roads that service transit are classified as main roads.

Bus shelters

Niagara Regional Transit is responsible for clearing snow from around bus shelters.

School crossings

The City provides salt boxes at school crossings. Crossing guards will spread salt at these areas as required.

Snow Removal Reporting