Windrow Clearing Program

Yes. The City expanded this program in 2023. The enhanced program allows for the inclusion of approximately 1,000 driveways. The service boundaries now includes all areas of the city.

• Registrants enrolled in the windrow program must pay a non-refundable fee for the season.
• Once paid, residents enrolled in the program receive windrow services for any snowfall that exceeds 7.5 cm, and thereby requires windrow clearing assistance.
• Windrow clearing contractors are dispatched after the completion of all residential roadway plowing.
• Residents can expect windrows to be cleared within 32-hours after the snow stops and within 8 hours of the completion of all residential road plowing.
• Windrows will be cleared to a snow packed condition and will not bare pavement. Residents are responsible for applying material to avoid the accumulation of ice.
• Residents must move their cars, planters, basketball nets, etc. away from the base of their driveway in order for the plow to safely clear their windrow. Failing to do so will result in missed service.
• Plowing services will run from December 1 until March 31.
• This service does not include windrows left by sidewalk plows.

The program fee is non-refundable.

If a property has two driveway connections that you would like cleared, both entrances will need to be registered and paid for.

For snowfalls of 7.5 cm or more, residential roads are typically plowed within 24 hours after the snowfall ends, followed by windrow clearing within eight hours, for a total service timeline of approximately 32 hours.

Residents can subscribe to burlington.ca/snow for updates on when residential snow clearing is complete, and when windrow clearing is activated.

When designing the program fee reduction model for the 2026/2027 winter season, the City considered the practical realities of confirming eligibility across different categories. Some circumstances, such as age, can be readily confirmed, while others are more personal in nature and may not be easily or appropriately documented. The City also considered the importance of making the application process accessible and respectful for residents.

For that reason, the program relies on applicants to attest that they meet the eligibility requirements. The City expects residents to provide accurate information when applying. However, the City may, as part of its due diligence, conduct a selective audit of registrants and request documentation to confirm eligibility where there is reason to believe that the eligibility criteria may not have been met, or where verification is otherwise necessary to ensure the integrity and equitable administration of the program.

The City is continuing to explore options for future years to confirm eligibility in a way that is fair, practical and consistent with the program's goals.

The City's first priority during and after a snow event is public safety. Crews must focus on clearing and maintaining roads so emergency vehicles, transit, residents and other road users can travel safely throughout the city.

Once roads have been made safe and passable, crews begin windrow clearing in neighbourhoods. Because windrow clearing is a city-wide operation, driveways cannot be cleared immediately after a plow passes.

The 32-hour service standard reflects the time required to complete city-wide snow clearing and windrow clearing following a snow event. The standard helps ensure residents have a general timeframe for when they can expect service.

Late registrations for this program cannot be accommodated, as our road crews require sufficient time to plan and allocate resources for the winter windrow program based on the confirmed number of registrants.

Residents interested in signing up for the program can sign up for the program the following year.