Snow Removal

After a snowfall event, we do our best to clear snow and ice using a combination of local contractors and City of Kenora staff. Our focus is to ensure that roads are in good condition for emergency vehicles, buses, business, and major institutions like schools and the hospital.

Public safety is our number one priority.

We start when the snow stops

Our winter maintenance work begins after a snowfall or ice storm has ended.

To determine when snow plowing, salting and sanding will start, we look at:

• temperatures
• forecasts
• precipitation
• staffing
• equipment availability
• budget levels

We clear the streets and sidewalks based on three priority levels:

Priority 1 – these roads are cleared first and will be cleared within 12-16 hours after a snowfall event has ended

Priority 2 – these roads will be cleared AFTER priority 1 roads but these roads will also be cleared within 24 hours after a snowfall event has ended

Priority 3 – these roads will be cleared AFTER priority 1 and 2 roads are cleared

Back lanes are cleared once all three priority routes have been taken care of first.

No parking zones

Review where you should be parking during snow removal operations. Any parked vehicles in violation of City of Kenora By-law 38-2024 may be ticketed and towed at your expense.

Downtown

You may not park on the streets in Harbourtown Centre, or downtown, from November to April, between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. to allow for snow removal and room for emergency vehicles to pass.

Residential areas

Watch for ‘no parking' snow removal area signs in your neighbourhood. You may not park on the street when the temporary signs are posted.

How you can help

The more co-operation we have from you, the more efficient our snow plow operators can be.

• Consider parking off the street during a heavy snowfall, even if parking is allowed
• Slow down and let snow plow operators lead the way
• On your recycle and waste day, place recycling and waste containers close to the road edge, but in your driveway so that they do not interfere with snow removal
• Drive smart – give yourself extra time and distance
• Do not park on the street while snow-clearing operations are underway
• Give plows plenty of room and remember they may need to back up
• When approaching a plow, stay to the right and ensure your headlights are on

Clearing snow from your property

1. Please keep this snow on your own property. Pushing and piling snow or ice from your property onto the street or sidewalk is against the City of Kenora By-law 137-2013.
2. Consider the direction of travel of the snowplow when clearing your driveway. If you move snow toward the side of your property that the plow finishes crossing your driveway, less snow will be spread back across the driveway when the plow passes.
3. Keep children off snow banks to prevent them from slipping into the path of vehicles and equipment. Do not let children tunnel into snow banks. The snow can collapse or be pushed back by snowplows.
4. If you have a fire hydrant on or near your property, please help keep the hydrant clear of snow and other obstructions. Time is essential when fighting a fire; every minute counts. Time wasted locating a fire hydrant could be used to safeguard lives and property.