Modern Mississauga and the City of Mississauga have come together to present an ongoing series called “Ask the City.” We’ll share relevant information here and answer your questions about our city.

Today’s question is about snow clearing.

During snow clearing, why do snow plows create piles of snow at the end of driveways? What can the City do?

Windrows are an unfortunate and unavoidable outcome of plowing. Snow plows must push snow to the right and must travel in the direction of traffic up one side of the road and then down the other. The size of the windrow left behind will depend on several factors, including: 

- the amount of snow received;

- features in the road such as its width, crescent bends or proximity to intersections; and, 

- parked cars which require snow plows to weave in and out and may cause snow to be deposited unequally. 

The City of Mississauga’s Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing program and Outdoor Maintenance Subsidy are available to eligible residents who need assistance with snow clearing or snow removal expenses. Details about both of these programs are available online at Mississauga.ca. 

To learn more about snow clearing in Mississauga, visit mississauga.ca/snow or contact 311 (905-615-4311 outside city limits).