I’ve received many emails and social media communications as of late regarding the city response to our latest snow storm. Most have been very positive and a big thanks goes out to our management and staff for taking care of our streets, sidewalks, crossing lights and bus shelters.

But of course, there’s always going to be a few people who are wondering why certain sections aren’t yet cleared. Fair enough.

So here’s a little update on the city snow removal standards. There’s also links for you to consider using in the future if you absolutely need to reach out to our public works department for help.

Public Works staff and the service of the winter control team are working within council approved service levels for both Roads and Sidewalks.

• Residential roadways are plowed at 10 cm of snow accumulation per event, not total accumulation.
• Sidewalks are plowed at 8 cm of accumulation per event.

Information regarding roadway and side-walk winter control standards can be found here

We continue to plow and treat all City sidewalks in accordance with our service standards.  Sidewalk clearance for the entire City is to be completed within 5 calendar days following a snow fall in excess of 8 cm.  Please be advised that there is no bylaw requiring residents to remove snow from their sidewalks.

For future reference, if you would prefer to contact the department directly, the Public Works Department provides various options for residents.

Administrative staff can be reached at 519-837-5628 or via email at publicworks@guelph.ca  A new feature on the City’s website is the ‘How can we help you’ function where residents can initiate a service request by visiting http://guelph.ca/how-can-we-help-you/

Trusting this information is found helpful to you and have a great day!

Cam