City of Hamilton Responding to Significant Snow Event
Hamilton is still in the midst of a Significant Weather Event, with approximately 32 cm of snow falling this past weekend, bringing the total accumulation since February 12th to a staggering 58 cm. City crews continue to work around the clock to manage road conditions and ensure public safety.
What does this mean for you?
During a snow event, snow clearing is prioritized: The first priority is main routes and escarpment crossings. The second priority is collector roads and the third priority is neighbourhood streets. We understand how frustrating this may be waiting for residential plowing. Please know that the City is working hard to get to your street. If you have specific safety concerns (visibility for example), please call 905-546-2489 and report the issue.
Current Conditions and Prioritized Response
As of 9:00 PM on February 19th:
Main roads and escarpment accesses: Bare and wet
Secondary roads: Bare/wet with some partial snow coverage
Residential streets, sidewalks, and bus stops: Snow covered
Given the amount of snow and freezing temperatures, road-clearing efforts remain a top priority. The City follows a priority-based approach:
Main routes and escarpment crossings – These high-traffic areas are cleared first to ensure essential mobility across the city.
Collector roads – Key community streets are cleared next to maintain access to important services and businesses.
Neighbourhood streets – Residential streets receive attention once primary and secondary roads are safe and passable.
Ongoing Operations
City crews are actively engaged in snow clearing efforts, including:
School areas: Crews have been prioritizing sidewalks, crosswalks, and laybys in front of 155 schools since Sunday evening.
Sidewalks and intersections: The initial pass of all sidewalk routes is targeted for completion by the weekend, with additional cleanup focused on intersection corners.
Snow removal with blowers and triaxle hauling is set to commence, prioritizing:
Priority 1 roads and bicycle lanes (including Keddy Trail)
Schools, sidewalks, and HSR bus stops
Bridge decks and overpasses
Priority 1-2 roadway intersections and sightlines
Defined Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and street parking laybys
Courts and dead ends
Challenges and Considerations
The City’s snow-clearing operations face several challenges, including:
On-street parking & snow storage: Parked vehicles can obstruct snow removal efforts.
Cold temperatures: Freezing conditions impact equipment and road treatments.
Equipment breakdowns & repairs: Crews are working diligently to keep machinery operational.
Staffing reset: To maintain operational efficiency, staff hours are being managed to ensure continued service.
How You Can Stay Updated and Assist
Residents can track the progress of winter maintenance vehicles over the last 2, 4, 12, and 24 hours using the City's #PlowTracker: http://hamilton.plowtracker.com.
Please keep vehicles off roads to allow plows to safely and completely plow. We have had a number of instances in our ward where plows attended residential streets but had to turn around because of parked cars.
We understand that navigating these winter conditions can be challenging, and we appreciate the patience and support of all Hamiltonians. Our teams are working tirelessly to ensure our roads, sidewalks, and transit stops are cleared as quickly and safely as possible.
Please exercise caution while traveling and allow extra time for commutes.
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