As a Winnipeg property owner, you're likely aware that snow removal is a significant responsibility that comes with owning a home or business. You're required to clear snow from sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots within specific timeframes, but do you know exactly what's expected of you? Failure to comply with the regulations can result in fines, which can be a costly addition to your winter expenses. Understanding the city's snow removal regulations and guidelines is crucial to avoiding these penalties, but where do you start? What else do you need to know to stay compliant this winter?
Responsibilities of Property Owners
As a property owner in Winnipeg, you're on the hook for clearing snow from your sidewalks and driveways. It's your responsibility to ensure these areas are safe for pedestrians and vehicles.
This includes clearing snow from the entire width of your sidewalk, including any pedestrian ramps. You must also clear snow from your driveway, including the area in front of your garage.
If you have a corner lot, you're responsible for clearing the sidewalks on both streets. If you have a property that backs onto a lane, you're responsible for clearing the sidewalk and any access point to the lane.
You must also clear any snow that accumulates around fire hydrants and catch basins on your property.
Additionally, you're responsible for sanding or salting icy areas on your sidewalk and driveway to prevent slipping hazards.
You can use environmentally friendly alternatives to salt, such as sand or magnesium chloride, to reduce the environmental impact.
Snow Removal Timeframes and Deadlines
Clearing snow from your property in a timely manner is crucial to maintaining safe walkways and driveways in Winnipeg. As a property owner, you're responsible for clearing snow and ice from your sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots within a specified timeframe. You have 36 hours after a snowfall to clear your sidewalks and 72 hours to clear your driveways and parking lots. Keep in mind that these timeframes may vary depending on the specific bylaw in your area.
It's essential to regularly check the weather forecast and plan accordingly to avoid any last-minute rush.
You can also consider hiring a snow removal contractor if you're unable to clear the snow yourself. Make sure to review your contract with the contractor to ensure they're aware of the timeframes and deadlines.
Additionally, be aware that failure to comply with snow removal regulations can result in fines and penalties. Stay on top of snow removal to avoid any inconvenience and maintain a safe environment for yourself and others.
City of Winnipeg Snow Removal Services
While snow removal is primarily a property owner's responsibility in Winnipeg, the City of Winnipeg also offers snow removal services to maintain safe roads and public spaces.
You can expect the City to clear and maintain major roads, highways, bus routes, and bike paths. Additionally, the City is responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks adjacent to city-owned properties, such as libraries, community centers, and public buildings.
If you're a property owner, you might be wondering if the City offers any snow removal services for your specific property.
In some cases, the City does provide snow removal services for private properties, but this typically only applies to properties that meet specific criteria, such as senior's residences or properties with mobility-impaired residents.
You can contact the City to see if your property qualifies for these services.
The City also offers a Snow Angel Program, which connects volunteers with seniors and people with disabilities who need help shoveling snow.
You can register to receive help or volunteer your time to help those in need.
Snow Removal Methods and Equipment
Snow Removal Methods and Equipment
Typically, the City of Winnipeg uses a combination of methods and equipment to efficiently remove snow from public spaces. You'll notice that they employ a variety of plows, sanders, and graders to clear streets, sidewalks, and other areas.
The city's snow removal fleet includes large graders, medium-sized plows, and smaller snow blowers for pedestrian areas. They also use pickup trucks with plows and sanders for residential streets.
When it comes to snow removal methods, the city uses both salting and sanding to improve traction on icy roads. They also use brine, a saltwater solution, to pre-treat commercial snow hauling services ts before snowfall.
This helps to prevent ice from forming on the road surface. You may also notice that the city uses snow fences in open areas to prevent drifting and blowing snow.
The city's snow removal equipment is designed to be efficient and effective. They use GPS tracking to monitor plows and other equipment, ensuring that all areas are cleared quickly and safely.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
If you fail to comply with the City of Winnipeg's snow removal regulations, you can face penalties. As a property owner, it's essential to understand the consequences of non-compliance to avoid any unnecessary fines or charges.
You may receive a warning notice if you're found not to be complying with the regulations. However, repeated offenses can result in fines ranging from $100 to $1,000.
If you're issued a fine, you'll need to pay it within the specified timeframe to avoid any additional penalties. In some cases, the City of Winnipeg may also take the necessary steps to clear the snow and ice from your property, and you'll be required to reimburse the costs.
It's crucial to take snow removal regulations seriously to avoid any penalties and ensure public safety. By complying with the regulations, you're not only avoiding fines but also contributing to a safer and more accessible community.
Make sure to familiarize yourself with the City of Winnipeg's snow removal regulations to avoid any issues during the winter season.
Conclusion
You'll be better equipped to handle Winnipeg's snowy winters by understanding your responsibilities as a property owner. It's crucial to clear snow from sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots within the specified timeframes to avoid fines. Staying on top of snow removal and using proper methods and equipment will not only keep you compliant but also ensure the safety of those around you.
