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Richmond Hill snow clearing: service targets, windrows and reports
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
Richmond Hill plows roads, sidewalks and residential windrows after 5 cm of accumulated snow. A Winter Event can be declared when 5 cm or more is forecast.
Key information
Richmond Hill plows roads, sidewalks and residential windrows after 5 cm of accumulated snow. A Winter Event can be declared when 5 cm or more is forecast. Wait 16 hours after snowfall ends before making a clearing service request.
On this page
Plan your next step
| Task or feature | What to know |
|---|---|
| Main roads | First route priority |
| Neighbourhood roads | After primary routes |
| Missed service | Wait 16 hours after snow ends |
Your next steps at a glance
- Check the storm stage
Road priorities and weather triggers affect timing.
- Allow the target period
Read targets measured after snow stops.
- Report a problem
Use the damage and service-report details below.
Weather triggers and route order
For 0-5 cm of snow or ice, roads are salted and sidewalks salted or plowed as required. At 5 cm or more accumulated, road, sidewalk and windrow plowing starts. Forecast snow of 5 cm or more can trigger a Winter Event and prohibit street parking before the storm arrives.
Main roads and sidewalks are treated first, then neighbourhood routes. Windrow clearing begins about two hours after road plows start. York Region, rather than the city, maintains the major regional road segments listed on the linked page.
Targets after the snow stops
The city’s targets are 14 hours for sidewalks,16 for roads,13 for windrows, and 24 for wide bends, dead ends and cul-de-sacs. Storm duration, snowfall amount and traffic can change completion times. A Significant Weather Event can extend the normal response.
The plow map distinguishes city primary and secondary roads from regional roads. Displayed positions can lag or pause because of communications and traffic. A stopped map marker is not proof that a crew has abandoned the route.
Prepare the driveway and report damage
Keep objects at least 1 m from roads, curbs and sidewalks. Move portable sports equipment and avoid parking at the bottom of the driveway. Place waste bins on the right side when facing the house, away from the curb and windrow path.
Do not shovel snow back into the street or sidewalk. Report lawn damage to access@richmondhill.ca,905-771-8800 or the customer-service portal. Staff inspect and plan repairs in spring; the city does not repair prohibited hard landscaping obstructing municipal space.
Useful questions and answers
When does road plowing begin?
At 5 cm or more of accumulated snow, together with sidewalk and windrow clearing.
Can parking restrictions start before snow falls?
Yes. A Winter Event can be declared when 5 cm or more is forecast within 24 hours.
Which roads are cleared first?
Primary city roads and sidewalks, followed by secondary neighbourhood routes.
When does windrow clearing begin?
About two hours after the road plows start their routes.
What is the road-clearance target?
16 hours after snow stops. Weather, storm length and traffic can alter that target.
What is the sidewalk target?
14 hours after snow stops, subject to conditions.
What about cul-de-sacs and dead ends?
The stated target is 24 hours for wide bends, dead ends and cul-de-sacs.
When should I report a missed clearing?
Wait 16 hours after the snow has stopped before contacting Access Richmond Hill.
Where should my waste bins go?
On the right side of the driveway when facing the house, away from the curb and windrow-clearing path.
How do I report plow-related lawn damage?
Email access@richmondhill.ca, call 905-771-8800 or use the customer-service portal. Inspection and repairs are planned for spring.
Official information and next steps
Facts checked on October 14, 2026. Seasonal conditions and available appointments can change.