Snow Removal
WHEN IT SNOWS...
The City’s team must clear, de-ice, and salt (when necessary) as quickly, effectively, and safely as possible:
- 131 km of streets
- 114 km of sidewalks
- Over 20 parking lots
- 1,005 fire hydrants
- Access points to over 25 buildings throughout the City
- Numerous bus stops, pedestrian crossings, walking trails in parks, and bike paths
SNOW REMOVAL OPERATIONS
At the beginning of a snowfall, salt is spread on main arteries and at intersections (when necessary).
When the snowfall exceeds 50 mm (2 inches), the salting process is suspended and snowploughs, tractors, and loaders begin their operations.
Commercial and collector streets are cleared in priority, as well as bus routes. Then, City crews move to local and residential streets.
After an average snowfall, approximately 8 hours are required to clear streets, parking lots, bus stops, and accesses to municipal buildings.
To ensure that streets are accessible at all times, this procedure is repeated throughout a storm. Consequently, your driveway may be ploughed in more than once during a snowfall.
WHERE DOES ALL THAT SNOW GO?
Generally speaking, the snow is blown onto the right of way on either side of the streets. Snow from main arteries is transported to the municipal depot located in the northern sector of the City, near the airport. Many efforts are put forth in order to make sure this operation takes place during regular working hours.
FOR EFFICIENT SNOW REMOVAL OPPERATIONS
- Avoid parking a vehicle in the street during or following a snowfall. Snow clearing crews will then work more quickly, economically, and efficiently. As an added benefit, this avoids the risk of your car being ploughed in.
- Respect the hours indicated on the orange “No parking” signs installed in the streets during snow removal operations.
- During snow removal operations, place your recycling bin, your organic waste bin, and your garbage container in your private entrance and NOT on the sidewalk or on the street, in order to allow snow removal vehicles to circulate properly. Pick them up as soon as possible after the collection.
- Remain patient and cautious near snow removal vehicles.
REGULATIONS
According to by-law no. 1465-97, it is forbidden for anyone to:
- push snow into the street. No one is allowed to deposit snow from a sidewalk, a driveway, or from the snow bank created by the plough onto a public road.
- cause or tolerate snow and ice accumulations that exceed 3 metres in height or which reduce visibility for motorists.
- push snow within a 1.2-metre radius of a fire hydrant.
- deposit or leave, on public property, any object (bins, trash cans, and so forth) that may hinder snow removal operations carried out by the City.
DON'T FORGET THAT OVERNIGHT PARKING (3 A.M. TO 5 A.M.) IS PROHIBITED IN THE CITY OF DORVAL.
SAFETY FIRST
Operators of snow blowers, ploughs, loaders, and other heavy equipment receive regular training from the City of Dorval in safety measures, with a particular emphasis on the safety of children. For example, snow removal of school entrances is usually undertaken outside of regular working hours in order to ensure the safety of students.
To further improve safety, we urge parents to discuss precautionary measures around heavy equipment with their children. Children should be reminded to:
- use adjoining streets when snow clearing is taking place.
- await the passing of the snow removal vehicles in a nearby driveway.
- avoid digging tunnels or building forts in snowbanks on the side of the street.
CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, AND DEMOLITION (CRD) DEBRIS PICKUP
During snow removal operations or in the event of a snowstorm, construction, renovation, and demolition (CRD) debris pickups are often put on hold. As such, the 7 business day delay for pickups cannot be guaranteed. If such is the case, citizens should communicate with the Public Works Department, at 514 633-4046, for updates on the situation or to file a new request. It is also possible to submit an online request here.
SNOW REMOVAL CONTRACTORS
Provisions of the by-law apply specifically to snow removal contractors. For example, they stipulate that contractors must take all the necessary measures to ensure that the noise produced by their equipment does not become a source of disturbance, particularly between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. To offer their services within the City of Dorval, snow removal contractors must apply annually for a permit from the Urban Planning Department (60 Martin Avenue).
Before signing a contract with snow removal contractors, it is best to contact the Urban Planning Department to verify that they has obtained the required permit.
Lastly, it is recommended to supervise your snow removal contractors' work to make sure that they respect the regulations in force within the City.
As of January 24, 2024, the following contractors hold an official permit:
- AMÉNAGEMENT TERROVIA INC.
- BB LANDSCAPING
- BOREAL LANDSCAPING
- DLC
- ENTREPRISE R. LANDRY
- ENTRETIEN PELOUSE DJ
- GROUPE PARAMOUNT INC.
- PAYSAGISTE LEWIS INC.
- PAYSAGISTE MICHAEL C.
- PCSNOW
- PJC LAWN & SNOW
This list will be updated on a regular basis.
For more information on snow removal contractors, contact Urban Planning at 514 633-4084.
Information: 514 633-4046
To consult the complete regulations on snow removal, click here (PDF in French only - 313 KB).
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