Our staff is trained to handle whatever winter throws at us, and all our plows are equipped with GPS and dashboard cameras. We also use snow markers to guide plows in certain areas. Despite our best efforts, sometimes, when visibility is low or the ground is soft, the road or sidewalk plow blade can damage property.
Report damage
Has a sidewalk plow or road plow caused damage? Let us know by filling out the Snowplow Damage Form.
Prevent damage
Keep the City’s right-of-way clear. To prevent damage, ensure the area is free of obstacles like landscaping hedges, rocks, private curbing, and underground irrigation systems. The right-of-way includes the boulevard and extends up to your property line.
- Underground irrigation systems: These should not be placed on City property. If a plow damages an irrigation system located in the City’s right-of-way, it will not be replaced
- Overgrown hedges and shrubs: Trackless sidewalk plows can be hard to maneuver around overgrown plants next to sidewalks. Keep them trimmed to avoid accidents
- Snow markers: Place markers near your curb and sidewalk to help guide the plow, especially when the snow is deep, and edges are harder to see
Why does the sidewalk plow sometimes damage the sod?
Sidewalk damage happens because older sidewalks are narrower than the plow blade. Here are the details:
- The plow blade is 5 feet wide (4 feet 2 inches when angled), but the wheelbase is 4 feet wide
- Most sidewalks in Niagara Falls are between 4 and 5 feet wide, leaving little room for error
- This means sod near sidewalks may occasionally be damaged during snow clearing
Restoration after snowplow damage
When damage happens, the city repairs and restores the area to its original condition. Restoration timelines depend on weather and the number of sites on the city’s work list, which also includes watermain breaks, curb stop repairs, hydrant repairs, and other maintenance tasks.
How it works
- Notify us: Use our snowplow damage form or call 905-356-1355
- Communication: We’ll update you on timelines and next steps. In spring, city staff will visit the site to measure and photograph the damage
- Restoration:
- Sod: You can let the city repair it or choose to repair it yourself and get reimbursed. This is a faster option for those who don’t want to wait for the contractor to complete the city-wide work list. Either way, you need to water the new sod to keep it healthy. To help with that, you can claim a $10 sod watering rebate. The city is not responsible for sod that dies due to lack of water
- City curbs: Broken sections are replaced with new concrete
- Rural mailboxes: If you think a city plow has damaged your roadside mailbox, please contact us as soon as possible with the details
- Final steps: The city inspects all restored areas to ensure quality and safety
How to get reimbursed for sod repairs
- Notify us: Inform the Customer Service Coordinator at 905-356-1355 x 6510 or [email protected]
- Site check: Staff will mark the damaged area and calculate the reimbursement amount
- Sign the form: Agree to the conditions. Reimbursement covers materials only (soil, seed, or sod) but not labour
- Do the repairs: Buy the materials, fix the sod, and submit your receipt
- Inspection and payment: After inspection, a cheque will be mailed within 30 days
Contact us: If your property was affected or you have questions, email [email protected] or call 905-356-1355.
Canada Post community mailboxes
Canada Post is responsible for maintaining all community mailboxes. To report damage or request snow clearing at the base of the community mailbox, visit the Canada Post website.
