Snow Removal

The Town of Essex conducts winter maintenance on over 602 kilometres of urban and rural roads. We also remove snow from designated walkways and sidewalks within the core business areas in our urban centres, near parks, and walkways adjacent to Town owned land.

Plows and salt trucks are dispatched in priority sequence when snow begins to accumulate or ice begins to form. Primary roads and those with a high volume of traffic are cleared first. During heavy snowfalls it can take over 24 hours after the storm ends to complete snow removal on all secondary and residential roads.

How can you help?

Residents can help speed up snow removal in the following ways:

Park vehicles off the street when possible.
When clearing driveways and sidewalks, shovel snow onto lawns, not onto the road.
Decorative items positioned near sidewalks and curbs should be flush with the ground and at least 12 inches away from the edge of sidewalks and curbs. The Town is not responsible for damage to decorative items in the road allowance.

Removal of snow and ice from sidewalks

Owners or occupants of all properties in the Town of Essex are responsible for the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks in front of, alongside and at the rear of their properties. By-law 1108 governs the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks.

The owner or occupant of a single family dwelling must clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 12 hours following the snow fall or ice formation. In the case of a multiple family building, the owner is responsible for snow and ice removal.

The owner or tenant of commercial property is responsible for clearing sidewalks of snow and ice within 4 hours following the snow fall or ice formation during daylight hours or within 4 hours of sunrise if snow falls or ice forms overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I never see a salt truck when it snows?

The Town of Essex conducts winter maintenance on over 602 kilometres of urban and rural roads. The Town also removes snow from designated walkways and sidewalks. Depending upon the time of day, traffic volumes and snowfall amounts, the average routes can take between 3 and 6 hours to complete one pass. The trucks will continue back over these routes until the storm has stopped and these streets are clear of snow and ice.

Why do you not use sand for winter control?

Salt is a very effective de-icing agent and is effective to temperatures as low as -12^oC (10^oF). Sand has no de-icing properties. It is mainly used where winter temperatures are continually below -12^oC (10^oF). Sand is an abrasive substance and is used to increase traction for vehicles. However, cleanup of sand from roadways and sewers throughout the municipality proves cost prohibitive.

Why does the plow not remove all of the snow from my road?

The plows are designed to ride on "guides" (shoes) that raise the blade approximately 13 millimetres (0.5 inches) from the surface of the roadway. This is done to prevent damage to both the vehicle and infrastructure from raised manholes, catch basins or water valves. Once the street has been plowed and salted, the interaction of the salt and vehicular traffic is required to melt the remaining snow cover. Streets with low traffic volumes will therefore remain covered in snow for a longer period of time.

Why do the plows always push snow into my driveway?

We understand that this can be frustrating for residents, but snow removal is necessary to keep roads safe for travel. During heavy snowfall, its best to wait until after the plow has passed before shovelling your driveway. If you must clear beforehand, please avoid throwing snow onto the road, as this can create a hazard for other drivers. If an accident occurs due to snow placed on the roadway, you could be held liable.

Why doesn’t the Town clean my driveway?

The town does not clean private driveways, as it would not be feasible given the number of residents, available manpower, and budget constraints. The liability to the Town for damage to the driveway approaches is cost prohibitive.

Does the Town salt and plow alleys?

Ally's are salted on an as needed basis under direction.

Why does the plow drive up my road with the blade up?

Plows drive with the blade up when en-route to their clearing sector, or when only salting and the level of snow does not meet the criteria for snow plowing.

How do I report a street that has not been cleared?

Please remember that the Town's first priority during a winter storm is to keep the main roads clear. Secondary and residential roads may take longer to clear.

If a street has not been cleared within 24 hours after the storm has stopped, contact us at 519-776-7336.

Mailbox Damage

The Town of Essex will provide compensation for a mailbox that was struck by a Town plow blade. Typically, a paint mark or truck tire tracks supply evidence of a mailbox strike.

The Town does not provide a replacement mailbox and/or post for those that fall from the force of plowed snow. Mailboxes and supporting posts must be installed to withstand the rigours of snow removal, including the force of snow pushed from the street onto the roadside and should be located in such a way as to minimize damage. Avoid installing mailboxes where they can be damaged by plowing operations.

Canada Post provides Rural Mailbox Guidelines including the proper distance mailboxes should be placed from road surfaces. If your mailbox has been hit please contact Canada Post, to ensure no delay in mail delivery.

Compensation

As per Policy #077, if the Town has damaged your mailbox, you can choose one of the following options for compensation:

Option 1: Replacement – We will replace your mailbox with a rural standard metal mailbox.

Option 2: Cheque Compensation – You may opt to receive a $75 cheque instead.

If your mailbox was struck please, please report it online through the Town's Report a Problem platform, or call 519-776-7336.

*For mailbox damage on a County of Essex owned road, please contact the County of Essex.

View the Mailbox Damage Policy for further details.

Questions?

Contact 519-776-7336 ext. 1100 or after-hours at 519-776-7336.

Spot a problem? Report it online.