Brampton offers safety tips for the first winter weather event of the year

The Voice of Canada News:

Environment Canada has issued a winter weather advisory for Brampton with the potential for snowfall and up to 35 mm of rain. With the ground frozen and reduced ability to absorb the rain, there is a risk for water pooling and flash flooding. During a winter weather event, crews work around the clock to get snow cleared. The City prioritizes clearing major roadways with the largest amount of vehicle traffic to maximize road safety, then clears other local roads. 

Each year, the City provides winter snow removal and winter maintenance to more than:

• 4,120 lane kilometres of road
• 2,556 transit stops
• 1,015 kilometres of sidewalks and walkways
• 205 kilometres of recreational trails
• 91 school crossing locations
• 86 City facility parking lots

Keeping streets safe and accessible during weather events

Parking on streets is not allowed and will be enforced during winter weather events. The issuance of parking considerations during snow events is suspended, and all previously issued considerations are invalid during the snow event. Vehicles must be moved to ensure plows, salters, and emergency vehicles can safely pass by. City staff have been deployed to inspect roads for the plowing operation and, when necessary, will arrange for the towing of illegally parked vehicles to improve snow removal operations. Towing and impound fees are at the vehicle owner’s cost. City Council has also increased penalties for vehicles interfering with snow removal and/or winter maintenance:

• first offence: $125
• second offence: $250
• subsequent offences: $500

Clear your driveway, walkway and sidewalk

Residents must clear all snow and ice from the driveway, walkway, and sidewalk in front and beside their home (corner lot) by 11 am the day following the end of the snowfall event. When the City receives a complaint about snow-covered sidewalks, an Enforcement Officer will investigate and may issue an Order to Comply, directing the property owner or occupant to take immediate action to clear the sidewalk. Upon re-inspection, if not yet clear, the City will perform the work at the property owner’s expense and add the cost and administrative fees to their taxes. In addition, the Enforcement Officer may issue a $250 administrative penalty. 

Brampton’s snow plow tracker

Residents can see which roads and sidewalks crews have cleared using the City’s plow tracker on www.brampton.ca/snow and on the 311 mobile app. Using this tool, residents can check snow maintenance progress, road priorities, and if a plow is near them.  Please ensure all vehicles are removed from the roadway at the start of all snow storms.   Service requests can be submitted beginning 24 hours after the end of the snowfall online at www.311brampton.ca, on the 311 mobile app, through email at 311@brampton.ca or by calling 311. If there is an emergency, please call 311. 

Expanding snow-clearing financial assistance

The City of Brampton is expanding its Snow Removal Financial Assistance program to help seniors and people with disabilities with the costs of hiring someone to remove snow from sidewalks and driveways. Starting this year, seniors and people with disabilities who rent homes can apply for the program. Qualifying applicants can receive a grant of up to $300 for non-corner lot properties or up to $400 for corner lot properties. 

Eligible candidates can learn more and apply here: City of Brampton | Roads and Traffic | Snow Removal Financial Assistance.

Flooding

Flooding (in various forms) can potentially interrupt many of our daily activities relating to your home, roadways, and watercourses within the community. For tips on what to do before flooding happens and what to do if flooding occurs, visit City of Brampton | Emergency Management | Floods.

​Brampton Transit

Brampton Transit services may be impacted by weather and conditions. For the latest updates when planning your trip, call the Brampton Transit Contact Centre at 905.874.2999, follow @BramptonTransit on X (formerly Twitter) or visit www.triplinx.ca.

City of Brampton Recreation Facilities

Recreation programs and services may be impacted by weather and conditions. For the latest updates, follow @BramptonParksRec on Instagram or visit www.brampton.ca/recreation. 

Power outages

To report outages, Alectra Utilities’ customers should call 1-833-ALECTRA (1.833.253.2872). Alectra customers who experience a power outage can find frequent updates through Alectra’s X(formerly Twitter) channel @AlectraNews or by visiting the outage map at www.alectrautilities.com.  

Tree removal and damage clean-up service requests

The City is responsible for the following on City property:

• removal and clean-up of City-owned trees and debris
• broken or damaged equipment
• general damage
• lights not working
• picnic tables or benches missing
• water ponding

During significant weather events, Service Brampton experiences significantly higher than normal call volumes. To report any fallen City tree branches, trees or debris, submit your report online at www.311brampton.ca, via the 311 mobile app or by calling 311.

Emergency preparedness

Emergencies can strike any time and any place without warning. During these times, emergency responders will need to assist those residents in urgent need first. This means it is important to be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours during a major emergency. In these circumstances, you will need an emergency preparedness kit with adequate supplies to keep you and your family self-sufficient.