Snow Removal

The Town of Essex conducts winter maintenance on over 602 kilometres of urban and rural roads. It also removes snow from designated walkways and sidewalks.

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.

When a snow plow passes, it will inevitably push snow back onto your driveway. The main goal of our snow removal operation is to clear the snow from the travelled portion of the road. Some inconvenience to residents is to be expected.

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.
• Avoid parking your vehicle on the sidewalk.
• 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.

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.

Who repairs my mailbox if it is damaged by a Town plow?

The Town of Essex repairs or replaces mailboxes and/or posts that are actually struck by one of its plow blades. For more information, visit our Mailbox Damage page or report it online through the Report a Problem system.