Transportation and Public Works

Snow Removal

Salt equipment Road maintenance crews ensure the safe movement of pedestrians and vehicles throughout the winter along the borough's 179 km of sidewalks and 125 km of roadways.

We deal with the snow

Spreading salt and gravel
Salt is spread on pavement at temperatures of from 0ºC to -15ºC. A 90%-10% mixture of sand, crushed rock and salt is spread on sidewalks.
At temperatures below -15ºC, a 80%-20% salt-gravel mix is used on both pavements and sidewalks.

Snow packing
When snow reaches a depth of 2.5 cm or more, it is packed to clear the way for vehicles. The pavements are cleared starting from 5 cm of snow.

To prevent any delay in operations, no one may shovel or place snow on a street, an alleyway, a sidewalk, a public place, a bike or foot path, a park or a green space, or public or private land (other than your own) or in Boisé de L'Île-des-Soeurs. Place your trash and recycling bags on your land, away from the curb.

Signs
Snow removal occurs during regular hours in which parking is banned on most streets and starts with major thoroughfares. In most cases, snow is removed on one side of the street if necessary on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and removed on the other side on Mondays and Thursday. Drivers must observe signs for this system to be effective. During such periods, park your vehicle in your driveway, or if you cannot, park it about 30 cm (approximately 1 foot) from the sidewalk to let the sidewalk snow blower pass. No parking signs are occasionally planted in the snow and orange signs may be placed in certain streets. Observe with the signs.

Snow removal
Snow removal begins at depths of some 15 cm. These operations may require as many as 110 people working a period of from three to five days, depending on the snowfall. You may shovel snow from your yard directly into the street just prior to this operation. Doing so at any other time is forbidden.

Alleyways

Road crews clear the alleys throughout the winter, but do not load snow or remove ice.

Towing

Can't find your vehicle? During snow clearance operations, the 24-hour Info-Remorquage line will help you find out whether your vehicle has been towed and where. Just phone 514 872-3777. At other times, you may phone 514 872-9412. Please note: You must mention your licence plate number.