​Keeping Brampton’s roads, sidewalks and trails safe and accessible all winter long

BRAMPTON, ON (November 7, 2025) – The City of Brampton is prepared for the 2025–2026 winter season with a coordinated response plan to keep roads, sidewalks and trails safe and accessible for residents.

Each year, City crews work around the clock to clear snow and ice from roads, sidewalks, trails and transit stops, so residents can travel safely and essential services continue without interruption. Winter maintenance is one of the largest coordinated operations the City delivers, involving hundreds of staff, specialized equipment and community partnerships.

​Brampton’s Road Maintenance and Operations team is geared up and ready to take on the winter season. Credit: City of Brampton

​Maintaining safe, accessible streets during winter weather

Parking on streets is prohibited during winter weather events to ensure that plows, salters and emergency vehicles have safe passage. Under the City’s by-law, vehicle owners can be fined for interfering with snow removal or winter maintenance:

• First Offence: $125
• Second Offence: $250
• Subsequent Offences: $500
  

In addition, the City will continue its proactive approach to towing vehicles obstructing snow operations. By-law Enforcement Officers will inspect streets ahead of scheduled plowing, arranging towing at the expense of the vehicle owner as necessary to keep roads clear. 

Snow by the numbers

For the 2025–2026 winter season, the City will maintain:

• 4,162 lane kilometres of roads
• 1,041 kilometres of sidewalks fronting City-owned properties
• 2,681 transit stops
• 224 kilometres of recreational trails
• 251 school crossings
• 84 City facility parking lots​ 

​City crews plow sidewalks across Brampton to maintain safe, accessible pathways for pedestrians throughout the winter season. Credit: City of Brampton

​During snow events, crews begin plowing when snow reaches five centimetres, prioritizing major roadways for maximum road safety before addressing local streets.

Brampton’s Plow Tracker

During a winter weather event, residents can continue to track the progress of snow maintenance efforts using the City’s Plow Tracker on brampton.ca/snow​ or through the 311 mobile app. With this tool, users can check snow maintenance for real-time updates, road priorities and even see if a plow is near them, allowing time to move vehicles off the road. Service requests can also be submitted through the tracker. Check the website throughout the winter months, during weather events to follow the plow tracker. 

 Crews clear snow from major roads and priority routes, working around the clock to keep the city safe and moving during winter weather. Credit: City of Brampton

Snow-clearing reminders for residents

Following a winter weather event, homeowners and occupants are reminded of their responsibilities under the City’s Snow and Ice Removal By-law​, to maintain safe and accessible streets and sidewalks for all:

• Clear sidewalks of snow and ice by 11 am the day after a snowfall.
• Keep fire hydrants on your property free from snow to maintain emergency access.
• Do not shovel snow onto the roadway, as this creates a safety risk for vehicles and can block catch basins, increasing flooding potential. This is considered fouling the highway (dumping) and is contrary to the Highway Traffic Act.
• Do not park on the street until it has been salted or plowed. Parking considerations are suspended during snow events, and any previously issued permits are invalid to allow snow-clearing crews to have full access and to prevent service delays. 

Snow-clearing financial assistance for residents

The City’s Snow Removal Financial Assistance Program for snow clearing resumes this year, offering eligible individuals 65 years old and older and individuals living with disabilities support to hire help for snow removal from sidewalks and driveways. Renters are once again eligible to apply. Eligible applicants can receive grants of up to $300 for non-corner lot properties or up to $400 for corner lots. Residents can learn more about the program, determine their eligibility and apply by visiting this website. ​ 

Emergency preparedness

Emergencies can strike at any time and any place without warning. During these times, emergency responders will need to assist those residents in urgent need first. This means it is important to be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours during a major emergency. In these circumstances, you will need an emergency preparedness kit with adequate supplies to keep you and your family self-sufficient. Find safety tips and emergency kit information at brampton.ca/prepared.

Get to know the faces behind the plows

Winter operations are more than machines, they are people with purpose. Behind every cleared road, salted sidewalk and plowed trail are the dedicated people who keep Brampton moving through the toughest winter storms. The City’s winter operations team is made up of more than 400 staff and external partners, who take pride in keeping our roads safe and neighbourhoods connected all winter long. Their dedication helps our community keep moving.

Last year, crews dedicated more than 125,000 staff hours, coordinated by the 24/7 Winter Control Centre, which monitors weather, road conditions and route progress in real time. During a major winter weather event, as many as 180 plows can be active on Brampton roads at once, clearing roads quickly and efficiently to keep the city moving. This year, crews are once again prepared to deliver the same level of dedication and coordination, ensuring Brampton’s roads, sidewalks and trails remain safe, accessible and ready for whatever winter brings.

Appreciation from residents, businesses and road users plays an important role in motivating the City’s winter crews and reminding them that their long hours and commitment make a difference in people’s daily lives. Here’s how to support Brampton’s winter crews and share your appreciation for the people behind the plows this winter:

• Wave or say thank you when you see a plow operator—they often work through the night in challenging conditions.
• Share a message of appreciation on social media using #BramptonSnowTeam to help spotlight their efforts.

For updates, information and resources this winter season, visit brampton.ca/snow.​​

Quotes

“Winter operations are a coordinated, city-wide effort to maintain safe and accessible roads, sidewalks and trails for everyone. Through tools like the Plow Tracker and 311, residents can access real-time updates and support. Our crews are prepared and equipped to respond efficiently to winter weather across Brampton.” - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

​“Winter operations rely on planning, coordination and teamwork. From the first snowfall to the last cleanup, City crews work around the clock to keep Brampton’s roads, sidewalks and trails clear. Residents play an important role by following winter parking and snow-clearing rules, which help crews complete their routes safely and efficiently.” - Paul Vicente, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 and 5; Chair, Public Works and Engineering Section, City of Brampton

​“As we begin another winter season, I want to recognize the incredible dedication of our staff who make this operation possible. From mechanics who keep our vehicles running to operators navigating through snowstorms and the control centre teams monitoring conditions in real time, every role is essential. Their expertise and commitment keep Brampton safe, connected and prepared throughout the season.” - Peter Pilateris, Commissioner, Public Works and Engineering, City of Brampton ​