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Snow clearing, sidewalks and windrows in Ajax
Ajax, Ontario, Canada
Snow clearing, sidewalks and windrows in Ajax. Ajax’s winter response operates from November to April.
Key information
Ajax’s winter response operates from November to April. The town prioritizes primary roads during snowfall, then secondary and residential roads as conditions allow. Residents and businesses must clear their frontage sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall or ice forms. Driveway windrows remain the property owner’s responsibility.
On this page
Key facts and next steps
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When does the town's winter response operate? | The published season is November through April. The town describes responsibility for over 400 kilometres of roads, 150 kilometres of sidewalks, 37 kilometres of trails, 27 parking lots and 53 school crossings. |
| Does Ajax plow every sidewalk? | No. The town says its crews clear about 150 kilometres of the approximately 400-kilometre sidewalk network. Primary sidewalks along regional and main town roads come first. A municipal route near your house does not remove frontage responsibilities. |
| Why can a corner property receive a larger windrow? | A wider intersection or bend gives the plow a larger road area to clear, which can leave more snow beside nearby driveways. Raising the plow at each entrance would leave snow in the road rather than solve the road-clearing task. |
Sources: Winter Roads & Maintenance
Road priorities and service scope
When does the town's winter response operate?
The published season is November through April. The town describes responsibility for over 400 kilometres of roads, 150 kilometres of sidewalks, 37 kilometres of trails, 27 parking lots and 53 school crossings.
Source: Winter Roads & Maintenance
Which roads are cleared first?
Primary roads serving regional routes, schools, community centres and industrial or commercial areas come first during snowfall. Secondary roads follow, then residential streets, sidewalks, trails and parking areas as the response progresses.
Source: Winter Roads & Maintenance
Why might plows return to main roads before my street?
During prolonged storms, crews may shift back to primary and secondary roads because they carry more traffic and emergency access. The priority sequence is not a guaranteed residential completion time during continuing snowfall.
Source: Winter Roads & Maintenance
Sources: Winter Roads & Maintenance
Sidewalks and driveway windrows
Does Ajax plow every sidewalk?
No. The town says its crews clear about 150 kilometres of the approximately 400-kilometre sidewalk network. Primary sidewalks along regional and main town roads come first. A municipal route near your house does not remove frontage responsibilities.
Source: Winter Roads & Maintenance
What is my sidewalk deadline?
Residents and businesses must clear the sidewalk in front of their property within 24 hours after snow falls or ice forms. The page warns that charges for failure to clear can be added to property taxes.
Source: Winter Roads & Maintenance
Who clears the ridge left across a driveway?
The property owner clears the windrow, the row of snow pushed to the roadside by the plow. Ajax does not describe a town-wide windrow-clearing entitlement. Do not put the snow back in the travelled road.
Source: Winter Roads & Maintenance
Sources: Winter Roads & Maintenance
Assistance and reporting
Why can a corner property receive a larger windrow?
A wider intersection or bend gives the plow a larger road area to clear, which can leave more snow beside nearby driveways. Raising the plow at each entrance would leave snow in the road rather than solve the road-clearing task.
Source: Winter Roads & Maintenance
Who can apply for snow-removal assistance?
The page lists residents aged 65 or older with no able-bodied person under 65 at the address, or residents unable to do the work because of a physical disability supported by a doctor's note. The separate application determines enrolment.
Source: Winter Roads & Maintenance
How quickly is an approved applicant added?
The town says applicants are added within seven days of the application being processed. Contact Operations and Environmental Services at 905-683-2951 for the current form, price and service scope; no current fee is stated on the main page.
Source: Winter Roads & Maintenance
How can I report a concern or see plow activity?
Use the snow-concern reporting link or Ajax's interactive plow map on the winter page. Keep vehicles clear of the road so crews can work. A map's previous pass does not prove that all stages of clearing are complete.
Source: Winter Roads & Maintenance
Sources: Winter Roads & Maintenance
Apply, book or get help
Sources: Winter Roads & Maintenance