Snow Clearing

How and when we clear snow from roads

When snow is on the way, our team gets ready! We focus first on main roads, hills, and misty areas near the Falls to keep them safe and ice-free.

As snow starts to fall, we begin plowing main roads. Once the snow reaches 8 cm, we plow all city roads, including residential streets and cul-de-sacs.

Want to know when your street will be cleared? Use our Winter Roadway Service tool! Just enter your address to see your street’s classification and priority level.

Roads under other jurisdictions

View the complete list of roads that are not owned by the City and are maintained by others like the Niagara Region, Niagara Parks Commission, the Ministry of Transportation, and private roads like those found in condominium developments.

• Niagara Parks Commission: Owns the roads and boulevards in the Niagara Parks area, including the Niagara Parkway. Use their online contact form for inquiries.
• Regional Roads: Visit the Niagara Region to view a list of Regional roads under their jurisdiction
• Highways and ramps: The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is responsible for snow removal on all 400 series highways and the QEW, including on and off ramps. For highway winter road reports or to report dangerous conditions, contact them at 1-800-268-4686.
• Private roads: The City does not maintain roads and parking lots on private property, such as condominiums. If you live in a condominium please contact the property manager for snow maintenance.

How and when we clear snow from sidewalks

The City clears about 200 kilometers of sidewalks—roughly 33% of the 600 kilometers in Niagara Falls. These sidewalks are located along busy roads, popular pedestrian routes, school zones, and healthcare facilities.

Want to see which sidewalks we maintain? Check out the Winter Sidewalk Map. You can also use our Winter Roadway Service tool. Just enter any address and it will show if it is part of a sidewalk plow route. We start clearing these sidewalks once 8 cm of snow has accumulated.

For sidewalks not maintained by the City, we count on residents to pitch in to clear sidewalks adjacent to their property. By keeping sidewalks clear, you’re helping everyone move safely around our community.

Sidewalk snow clearing by-law

On February 4, 2025, City Council adopted a Snow Clearing By-law to make it easier for everyone to move safely during the winter. The goal is to reduce the risks of snow and ice on sidewalks while keeping costs low. The by-law will start on October 1, 2026, with a public education campaign before then. It requires property owners to keep sidewalks in front of their homes clear of snow and ice.

Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing and Sidewalk Snow Clearing Assistance Pilot Program

Council has approved a two-year pilot program to help eligible residents with driveway windrow and sidewalk snow clearing for the 2026/27 winter season. The program will support residents aged 65 and above who have a verified physical disability and meet the income criteria.

The City will manage applications and contract the service, with results reported back to Council after the pilot for evaluation. The program aims to make winter maintenance safer and more accessible for those who need it.

View the report

Sidewalk and driveway clearing tips

• Be a good neighbour. Clear snow and ice from sidewalks as soon as possible to make them safe for everyone. Offer to help those who may not be able to shovel. Winter can be especially tough for people with disabilities or those who use mobility devices. By keeping sidewalks clear, you’re helping everyone move safely around our community.
• Park responsibly. Keep your car in your driveway and off the sidewalk to allow space for pedestrians
• Prevent icy patches. Spread salt on sidewalks near your property between snowfalls
• Driveway apron. When clearing the end of your driveway, try to pile the snow on the right side (when facing the road). This can help reduce the snow pushed back by the road plows.

Safety first

When shovelling snow, please make sure not to pile it:

• Next to or blocking access to fire hydrants
• Where it blocks drainage to sewers or culverts
• On roads and boulevards because this can cause accidents and may result in a ticket

In the winter, all 33 kilometres of trails remain open for you to enjoy!

Maintained trails: Roughly 18 km of trails are plowed after the main roads, residential streets, and sidewalks are cleared (approximately 48 hrs). They are perfect for winter walks or winter cycling.

Unmaintained trails: Trails not plowed in the winter offer hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing opportunities, as long as the weather cooperates.

Discover our trails: Search for a trail to view it on a map and to find out if it is winter-maintained.

Niagara Regional Transit is responsible for clearing snow around bus stops and terminals. Request a snow clearing service through their online form.

Canada Post is responsible for clearing snow away from the base of neighbourhood super boxes.

Contact Canada Post for service requests.

The objective of this Winter Maintenance Plan is to define the level of service to be maintained and procedures to be followed to reduce the hazards resulting from winter snow and ice and maintain the City's roadways and sidewalks in a safe condition.

City of Niagara Falls Winter Maintenance Policy Plan.