The City is Getting Ready for Winter: Residents Reminded to Follow Seasonal Guidelines

As winter approaches, Owen Sound’s Public Works Department is ready to begin Winter Control Operations, keeping roads, sidewalks, walkways, and parking lots safe for residents in accordance with the Province of Ontario’s Minimum Maintenance Standards. 

Our snow clearing fleet operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the season and includes: 

• 4 plow trucks 

• 1 loader 

• 2 graders 

• 4 sidewalk plows (MVs) 

All snow clearing within City limits is managed in-house by the Public Works Department; there are no contracted companies working on behalf of the City. 

Hills and Priority Roads 

Owen Sound’s unique geography includes many hills, which are always a top priority for snowplowing. During heavy snowfall, crews may need to make multiple passes to ensure these areas are safe for all residents. Understanding the Winter Road Classifications can be a helpful tool for residents to review.  

Experienced Crews 

Our snowplow crews bring over 50 years of combined local experience to winter operations. Residents can trust that safety is always the top priority when clearing roads, sidewalks, and walkways. 

Residents Play a Key Role 

Winter safety is a shared responsibility. Residents can help ensure efficient and safe snow clearing by following these simple steps: 

Overnight Parking 

Keep vehicles off streets and non-designated municipal lots between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. from December 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.  

Overnight parking passes are available at City Hall or the Transit Terminal for designated lots: 

• Municipal Lot 5 (800 block of 3rd Avenue East) 

• Municipal Lot 9 (700 block of 1st Avenue East) 

Before reporting a snow-clearing concern, take a quick look outside. Sometimes moving a parked vehicle or other obstruction is all it takes to help crews complete their work efficiently. 

Driveways: Under Bylaw 2008-046, it is illegal to push snow or ice onto roads, sidewalks, or across the street. It’s inconsiderate and unsafe. 

Sidewalks: City crews work hard to keep sidewalks clear, but with the frequent heavy snowfall here in the heart of the snow belt, it can be a challenge—even with four machines running 12 hours a day, seven days a week.  

If you’re able, please lend a hand by clearing the sidewalk in front of your home, and consider helping your neighbours who may have difficulty doing so. When we work together, everyone benefits. Thank you for your patience and community spirit. 

Fire Hydrants: City Staff clear excessively deep snow around fire hydrants, but you can help emergency crews have consistent, easy access by clearing around any hydrants near your property, if you can. 

Garbage and Recycling: Place items at the end of your driveway, not on the road or snowbanks, to avoid causing hazards and property damage. 

Children: Snowbanks are dangerous! Do not allow children to climb, play, or build forts/tunnels near roads. It looks like fun, but it’s not safe! 

Significant Weather Events: Depending on snowfall amounts, the event guidelines may remain in effect for extended periods, ensuring safety for all residents during long winter storms. Significant weather events end when all snow has been cleared, which can take time.  

The City thanks all residents for their cooperation and patience. By following these guidelines, you help keep Owen Sound safe and accessible throughout the winter season. 

Please visit the City of Owen Sound’s website for more detailed information relating to Winter Maintenance at OwenSound.ca/WinterControl 

For more information, please contact Lara Widdifield, Director of Public Works and Engineering at 519-376-4440 ext. 1201, or email at lwiddifield@owensound.ca 

Quick Facts  

• The City maintains 282 lane kilometres of roadways and 105 kilometres of sidewalks during the winter 

• Owen Sound is noted as one of the top 10 municipalities in Ontario for annual snowfall, receiving, on average, 330 centimetres per year 

• The most complete information on Winter Road Classifications is available on our website