Streets & Sidewalks
Sidewalk Snow Clearing
Snow Clearing Subsidy
Snow Angels is a program to assist Hamilton seniors and disabled residents with a financial subsidy to help them meet the requirements of the City of Hamilton Sidewalk Snow Clearing By-law. The subsidy can be used to pay for snow removal needed to clear the sidewalk and to provide safe walking access to the front door and through the snow-plow windrow. This subsidy is not to be used for whole driveway snow clearing.
To learn if you might qualify, or for other community resources to assist with snow clearing, visit Snow Clearing Subsidy.
How to File
By-law Complaint for Snow
If a property owner or occupant doesn't clear their snow or ice of sidewalk within 24 hours after the end of the snow event, you can call us to file a complaint.
Your Responsibilities for Clearing Snow/Ice
The City of Hamilton’s Snow and Ice By-law No. 03-296 requires property owners and/or occupants to clear snow and ice within 24 hours after the end of a snow event from:
- sidewalks adjacent to their property
- roofs that overhang the City sidewalk
Help a neighbour, friend or family and assist those who are not able to clear the snow.
Where You Shouldn't Place Snow/Ice
For safety reasons, when clearing snow and ice, property owners and occupants must ensure that the snow and ice is not placed:
- Immediately beside or blocking access to a fire hydrant
- In such a manner that it would block drainage to any drain, sewer catch basin or culvert
- On a road or boulevard as it could interfere with traffic, cause an accident and can result in a ticket (By-law #86-77)
As snow and ice builds up on the street, clearing the area around catch basins (sewer grates), curbside gutters and drainage ditches will help to prevent flooding and property damage.
Consequences for Violations
Failure to remove and clear snow and ice may result in one or all:
- A Notice to Comply issued (A “Notice to Comply” is a document provided to the property owner/occupant that gives direction on what actions need to be taken)
- Charges up to $5,000 under the Provincial Offences Act, in addition to other court proceedings necessary to obtain compliance
- Fee for inspection costs added to your property taxes
- The City removing the snow and the costs being added to the property taxes
Property owners of vacant properties are responsible to ensure sidewalks are cleared of snow and ice.
Snow Angels Program
Low income Seniors and low-income persons with disabilities may be eligible to receive financial assistance to pay for snow clearing from their sidewalk. To learn if you might qualify, or for other community resources to assist with snow clearing, visit Hamilton.ca/SnowAngels. You can use the funds provided to hire a company, a neighbor or friend to remove snow from your sidewalk, front walkway and snow plow windrow.
Report damage from a sidewalk tractor to your private property by calling the City at 905-546-2424 ext. 5742. You need to report:
- where you live
- a description of the damage
Damage to landscaping? The City does not replace or repair damaged landscaping items located within the City's road allowance.
Submit a Claim for Property Damage
You must submit a claim for property damage in writing to:
City of Hamilton
Risk Management Services
71 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y5
Email [email protected]
You must describe:
- what was damaged
- how it happened
- date and time of occurrence
- names of contractors, equipment, operators where possible
- Your name, address and phone number
Each claim is examined individually.
When Risk Management Services receives your claim, they start an investigation. You will receive a written reply in the mail to let you know they received your claim. A decision on your claim is made when all of the information has been reviewed. You are advised of the decision as quickly as possible. Payment of a claim is contingent upon legal liability on the part of the City.
If you have experienced property damage or injury which you feel is related to City of Hamilton snow clearing efforts you can make a claim to the City.
Submit a Claim for Injury
You may submit a written claim within 7 calendar days of the incident to:
City of Hamilton
Office of the City Clerk
71 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario L8P 4Y5
Your claim must include:
- Your name, address and phone number
- Date and time of the incident
- Location
- What damage or injury occurred as a result of the fall
An investigation starts when we receive your claim. You will receive a written reply in the mail to let you know they received your claim. A decision on your claim is made when all of the information has been reviewed. You are advised of the decision as quickly as possible. Payment of a claim is contingent upon legal liability on the part of the City.
To discuss the claims process, contact:
Risk Management Services
Call 905-546-2424 ext. 5742
City Responsibilities for Sidewalks
The City of Hamilton is committed to maintaining accessible sidewalks during the winter months through its snow clearing services.
In 2022, the City expanded its sidewalk snow clearing program, increasing the total from 397 kilometers to 866 kilometers. This expansion focused on Priority 1 and Priority 2A roadways, where transit operates and at transit stops, to improve access to transit for residents city-wide. Since then, with the addition of new infrastructure, the City now clears 885 kilometers of sidewalks annually.
The City clears sidewalks adjacent to:
- Municipally owned property
- Private lots that do not face the road (reverse frontage lots)
- Sidewalks in Ancaster
- Sidewalks adjacent to school properties owned by the Public School Boards, under By-law No. 03-296, on a charge-back basis
Snow clearing operations are activated when accumulation reaches 5 cm or greater and include snow and ice removal with de-icing materials applied as needed.
Residents are asked to be patient during winter events. Snow crews will be working continuously and as diligently as possible to clear the snow and make roads as safe as possible for residents.
Residents are invited to view the City’s interactive Sidewalk Snow Clearing Map to see which areas across Hamilton are included as part of the upcoming service level enhancements.
Winter Sidewalk Snow Clearing Map
See which roads classify as transit routes and are therefore included as part of the upcoming level of service enhancement.
Hamilton Sidewalk Plow Tracker
The City of Hamilton’s Sidewalk Plow Tracking map allows you to see where our maintenance vehicles have been in the last 6 hours.
Launch Launch Sidewalk Plow Tracker
Disclaimer: We try to ensure the most accurate and reliable information is displayed on the Sidewalk Plow Tracker. However, the City assumes no responsibility for any errors and is not liable for any damages of any kind resulting from the use of, or reliance on, the information contained herein.
Looking for Snow Clearing? Learn more about Snow Clearing on Roads
What are reverse frontage roads?
Reverse frontage road means a road that is located to the rear of properties. An example can be seen below.
Who is responsible for clearing snow in front of schools?
The City of Hamilton clears sidewalks adjacent to school property, owned by the Public School Boards, in conjunction with City of Hamilton By-law No. 03-296 on a charge-back basis.
Who is responsible for clearing snow in front of residential properties?
Pursuant to Bylaw No. 03-296, property owners and/or occupants are responsible for clearing snow and ice from the sidewalk within 24 hours after the end of a snow event. If residents’ properties fall along the City’s sidewalk snow clearing route, the City is responsible.
Who is responsible for clearing snow in front of businesses?
Snow clearing on sidewalks adjacent to private property is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that snow and ice are clear from the sidewalk within 24 hours after the end of a snow event. If the property falls along the City’s sidewalk snow clearing route, the City is responsible.
What about street corners including corners of main intersections?
Residents and businesses are reminded that they are responsible for clearing snow and ice from the sidewalks adjacent to their property, including adjacent street corners, within 24 hours after the end of a snow event.
Will roads be prioritized for winter maintenance ahead of sidewalk maintenance? Or will road and sidewalk snow clearing be completed simultaneously?
The City will activate crews and equipment to meet the required level of service for both roads and sidewalks. Roads are maintained based on priority, with the first priority being the main routes and escarpment crossings. The second priority is collector roads and the third priority is neighbourhood streets. Sidewalk clearing will be activated along Priority 1 and Priority 2 routes as per the service level enhancement and in order to meet the City’s Snow and Ice By-Law No. 03-296.
Will certain areas be prioritized for sidewalk snow clearing?
The City will activate sidewalk snow clearing crews in order to meet the approved level of service. Equipment will start on its predetermined route and clear all sidewalks on its route. For the safety of residents in your area please remember to clear your sidewalks as soon as possible after a snowfall.
How soon after a snowstorm can I expect the clearing of all sidewalks the City is responsible for to be completed?
The sidewalks the City is responsible for will be addressed 24 hours after the end of a snow event.
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 roofs that overhand the City sidewalk, within 24 hours after the end of a snow event . If I’m along the City’s sidewalk clearing route, do I still need to shovel the section myself?
No, residents/occupants who live along a City sidewalk snow clearing route are not required to shovel the section of sidewalk adjacent to their property themselves, as City plows will
How were the new routes determined?
Routes were determined based on transit system revisions, growth and changes in property ownership inclusive of the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board properties.
The City clears sidewalks along roadways where transit operates. What if transit routes change?
In order to ensure clearing routes continue to remain up to date with transit system revisions, growth and changes in property ownership inclusive of the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board properties, City staff will report back to Public Works Committee on an annual basis prior to the commencement of winter operations with updates to the routes.
Why is there green salt on the sidewalk?
The green salt is a magnesium-treated rock salt product that is more effective at lower temperatures. It reduces cleanup and minimizes residual material when compared to using a salt/sand mix.
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