What's on this page

↓What is a significant weather event?
↓When will my street be plowed?
↓Which roads are plowed first?
↓Why can't I park my car on the road during a storm?
↓Where can I park my car during a storm?
↓Who is responsible for clearing snow on sidewalks?
↓Am I allowed to shovel/blow my snow onto the road?
↓Why doesn't the Town clear the snow at the end of my driveway (windrows)?
↓Who do I contact if I have snow related concerns?

What is a significant weather event?

A significant weather event is declared when Environment Canada forecasts or reports severe weather conditions that may impact the Town’s ability to deliver normal winter maintenance operations.  

These conditions can include:  

  • Heavy or prolonged snowfall  

  • Freezing rain or ice accumulation  

  • High winds causing blowing or drifting snow  

  • Extreme cold temperatures that reduce the effectiveness of road salt or brine  

Declaring a significant weather event does not mean winter maintenance stops; it signals that service timelines may be extended because conditions make it unsafe or impractical to maintain the usual level of service. During this time, it may take crews longer than 24 hours to clear roads and sidewalks due to extreme weather. 

During such events, residents and visitors are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel, follow parking restrictions, and allow extra time for crews to clear roads and sidewalks.  

The Town will share regular updates on road conditions, service timelines, and when the Significant Weather Event has officially ended.

When will my street be plowed? 

The Town of Milton's priority for plowing is to first clear all major roads and transit routes before clearing residential streets. When all streets need plowing, the aim is to complete plowing within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall. Heavy snowfalls or successive storms may extend this period beyond 24 hours. 

Which roads are plowed first?  

Plowing is done in the following order of priority.  

Priority 1: Major roads and transit routes
  • Main roads, those with the greatest volumes of traffic, are treated with salt or sand and plowed to achieve bare pavement. 

Priority 2: Rural collector roads and industrial areas  
  • Rural collector roads, or secondary roads that lead to primary roads are treated with salt or sand and plowed to achieve bare pavement. These roads are treated after Priority 1. 

Priority 3: Urban and rural residential roads  
  • Residential and Rural roads plowing starts after major arterial and collector roads are cleared of snow and ice.

All roads are cleared after a winter storm event or a significant weather event. When all streets need plowing, the aim is to complete plowing within 24 hours after the end of the snowfall. Heavy snowfalls or successive storms may extend this period beyond 24 hours. 

View our snow plow priorities map for more information.  

Why can’t I park my car on the road during a storm?

When winter snow storms occur, Milton suspends its street parking exceptions, which means that no cars are to be parked on Milton roads. This allows equipment operators to quickly and safely clear snow and treat roadways (salting and sanding) without parked vehicles getting in the way.  

Any vehicle that interferes with snow-clearing operations may be ticketed and/or towed at the owner's expense.   

Where can I park my car during a storm?  

During winter, the Town keeps several local parking lots available for residents to use when street parking is suspended for snow removal. 

Parking in the following lots is allowed for a 24-hour period.  

Ward 1  

 Ward 2 

Ward 3  

Ward 4  

Who is responsible for clearing snow on sidewalks?

With accumulation of 5 cm or more of snow, the Town begins plowing sidewalks and pathways associated with schools, transit routes and major pedestrian travel. Residents are responsible for clearing snow on their sidewalks within 24 hours of the end of a snow or ice storm. 

Am I allowed to shovel/blow my snow onto the road?

Pushing, blowing or shovelling snow onto the road is not permitted. Please clear snow onto your property or the Town Boulevard.  

Why doesn’t the Town clear the snow at the end of my driveway (windrows)?  

The Town does not clear windrows; this is the responsibility of the homeowner. The Town offers a windrow removal program for seniors and persons with disabilities.  

Who do I contact if I have snow related concerns?  

We ask that you please wait 24 hours after a storm has ended to allow our crew enough time to service your road. If 24 hours has passed and your street has not been cleared, please complete the Operations contact form to let us know.