City preparing for first winter storm – online Plow Tracker is ready to go!
HAMILTON, ON – Today, City of Hamilton crews are preparing for the first winter snowfall of the 2018-2019 winter season. As always, our primary focus during and after a storm is ensuring residents are safe.
In Hamilton, key activities under the winter roads program include patrolling the roads and monitoring conditions, applying anti-icing and de-icing materials, plowing snow, removing and disposing of snow and ice, clearing sidewalks and bus stops, and managing the snow and salt storage sites.
Quick Facts
- Winter roads crews work 24 hours per day, seven days per week during the winter season
- Hamilton has 110 in-house and 46 contracted plow trucks, with an additional 300 other pieces of equipment available on call during a significant weather event
- During an average winter season, the City uses:
- 65,000 tonnes of salt
- 15,500 tonnes of pickle mix (3:1 mix of salt and sand)
- 325,000 litres of pre-wet solution
- 250,000 litres of salt brine for anti-icing.
To help residents see more information about road plowing operations, the City has recently launched a Plow Tracker feature on our website. The new feature allows residents to track where winter maintenance vehicles have been during the last two, four, 12 and 24 hours.
When snow is in the forecast, residents should follow the following tips:
- Park cars off the street wherever possible to make clearing safer, faster and more effective
- Ensure fire hydrants are clear of snow
- For safety reasons do not shovel snow into the roadway – it is illegal and could result in costly charges
- Leave extra time for travel and have an emergency pack in the trunk
The City of Hamilton’s Snow and Ice By-law No. 03-296 requires property owners and/or occupants to clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property and from roofs that overhang the City sidewalk within 24 hours after the end of a snow event. Failure to remove and clear snow and ice may result in a Notice to Comply being issued and failure to comply could result in costly penalties.
Additional Resources