You must clear your sidewalk within 12 hours of snowfall to avoid a fine in Toronto

Winter has come.

And that means snow.

While the City of Toronto has active plows and snow removing services throughout snowstorms, residents have the responsibility to clear snow on their properties.

“The city provides mechanical sidewalk snow clearing in most parts of Toronto, however in the downtown core the city is unable to provide this service,” states the city’s website.

“If you live in the downtown core where sidewalks cannot be plowed, residents and business owners are responsible for clearing the ice and snow from sidewalks adjacent to their properties within 12 hours of a snowfall.”

When clearing snow around your property please do not throw snow onto the roadway. This is illegal and endangers both cyclists and motorists. Avoid parking vehicles over sidewalks as sidewalk plows will be out throughout the day.

— TO Winter Operations (@TO_WinterOps) December 22, 2017

Clearing the ice and snow from the sidewalk in front of your home or business will make it safer for everyone, and will avoid you a hefty fine.

Failure to clear snow off your property within the 12 hours could result in a fine of $100.00 plus $25.00 surcharge, total $125.00 as per Municipal Code Chapter 719.

So be a good neighbour and get that shovel out.

See also

• This is what the first official week of winter looks like in Toronto
• There's a winter solstice parade and celebration in Toronto tonight
• Several days will have FREE on-street parking in Toronto over the holidays