Winter Ready Toronto Homeowners Guide to Sidewalk and Driveway Snow Clearing

Winter in Toronto can arrive fast — and with the first few snowfalls already on the ground, homeowners across Etobicoke, York, North York, and Downtown Toronto are getting ready to keep their sidewalks and driveways safe, clear, and compliant with local bylaws.

11/12/20251 min read

Know Your Snow Clearing Responsibilities

The City of Toronto requires residents and businesses to clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property within 12 hours after the end of a snowfall. For driveways, walkways, and private steps, the goal is to clear paths within 24 hours to ensure safe access. The city does clear sidewalks in most neighborhoods, but certain areas in Etobicoke, York, and Downtown still require property owners to handle their own removal.
Check your address here on the City of Toronto Snow Map.

Best Practices for Homeowners

Shovel early and often. Don’t wait until snow piles up and freezes solid. A quick shovel every few centimeters is much easier.
Push, don’t lift. It reduces strain on your back and speeds up the job.
Use driveway-safe de-icer. Avoid rock salt near plants, grass, and new concrete.
Mark your property. Use reflective driveway markers so snowplows and contractors don’t damage your edging or landscaping.
Create a snow storage plan. Designate where you’ll pile snow so melting runoff doesn’t flood walkways.

Pro Tip: Stay Ahead of Ice

Icy patches form quickly overnight. Sprinkle sand or eco-friendly ice melt before temperatures drop to prevent a solid sheet of ice in the morning. Toronto’s freeze-thaw cycles make this essential, especially in shaded areas.

Make Winter Easier

Toronto winters can deliver dozens of snowfalls. If you’d rather skip the hassle, book snow removal with Oasis Lawns. Our team handles residential and commercial snow removal in Toronto, Etobicoke, York, and North York with reliable service and eco-friendly methods that protect your property and the environment.