Snow Removal
Learn about the City's snow removal operations and find answers to frequently asked questions regarding snow removal on private property.
Snow removal operations, such as plowing and salting are carried out around the clock. Loading operations normally require a minimum of 4-8 days depending on the snowfall, and are carried out according to a pre-determined schedule.
The priorities for snow clearing are commercial streets, fire routes, major arteries, school zones and streets on slopes.
When parking your vehicle on the street, please pay close attention to the signs and move your car, if necessary, before the loading crews arrive. Parked vehicles that interfere with snow removal operations will be towed away.
Please note:
- Throughout the winter, the City will NOT call residents prior to snow removal to advise them to move their parked vehicles; and
- Towing crews will NO LONGER use warning lights during the day or night to signal impending snow loading operations.
Reminder: To both homeowners and contractors, please do not push snow on the sidewalks or streets. Thank you for your patience and understanding during these operations.
Important Information
Snow Removal Alerts and Monitoring
Citizen Portal
Opt-in to snow removal notifications via the Citizen Portal and be notified by SMS or email of current snow clearing operations.
How to Sign Up
- Create your account in the Citizen Portal
- From your account, select My Municipal Notifications from the drop-down menu options located in the top left of your screen
- On the Municipal Notifications page, make your selections:
- How would you like to be reached? Select one or several options.
- What types of notifications do you wish to receive? Select Snow Removal to receive these notifications.
Info-Neige
Track snow clearing operations directly from your mobile device or online with Info-Neige. This app offers regularly updated information, making it easier to get around and plan your winter activities.
Consult Info-Neige to:
- quickly check the snow removal status of a given street;
- find out when you need to move your vehicle.
Mobile Application
- Available on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android)
- Offers push notifications: receive personalised alerts for the street segments you've added to your favourites
Web Version
- Accessible without download or account creation
Please note: Street signage always takes priority. If there is a discrepancy between the information in the app and posted signage, residents must follow the signage on the street.
Parking During Snow Removal
If your vehicle is towed during snow removal operations, please contact Public Safety at 514 989-5222.
Advance warning of snow removal and the times at which it will be taking place are indicated by flashing or fixed orange lights on major throughfares, and by special signs placed on side streets.
Highly visible and effective, the plastic signs are attached to existing signage using special hooks. Westmount personnel will install the signs at least 12 hours before snow removal begins, giving drivers ample time to move their parked vehicles before snow removal operations get underway.
Please check your street daily before 7 a.m. following any heavy snowfall, as vehicles blocking snow removal operations will be towed.
The plastic signs replace orange sandwich boards in most areas of the Westmount, which were typically placed on snowbanks when snow removal was to take place.
Westmount depends on the cooperation of all drivers in the city to ensure that snow is removed quickly and efficiently throughout the winter. The next time it snows, look up and check carefully for orange signs. Vehicles blocking snow removal operations will be towed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the public works department block my driveway with snow?
The snow plowing operation entails displacing the snow from the street towards the sidewalks or curbs in order to allow traffic to flow safely. This operation causes snow to accumulate in front of every driveway. Each resident is responsible to remove this snow should they need access.
What by-laws apply to snow removal on private property?
Municipal by-laws apply to where snow can be dumped and who is allowed to offer snow removal services for private properties.
Snow Dumping
- All snow removed from private property must be deposited on the existing snow banks created by City ploughs. Snow pushed out from private property should be spread out along the snow banks to prevent creating a large mass of snow opposite the driveway from which the snow was removed.
- Under no circumstances should the snow removed from one private property block a neighbours access to their property or driveway.
- The blockage of any street, sidewalk or lane by snow removed from private property will not be tolerated. In those cases, infraction notices will be given and fines may apply.
In the event that the snow pushed out from private property is excessive to the point that the City must intervene for safety reasons, the cost of said intervention shall be assessed to the contractor or person responsible.
Snow Removal Contractors
Snow removal contractors must have a valid license issued by the City for the current period.
The Snow Loading Process
Step 1
The snow plow passes and pushes the snow creating a snow bank along the street for the snow blower to pick up.
Step 2
The snow blower picks up the snow bank (windrow) and loads it into the dump truck. Depending on the amount of snow, this step may be repeated 2 to 3 times.
Step 3
The dump truck leaves the loading site to empty it at the snow depot and returns to line up for loading.
Snowblower Passage
- From Monday to Friday, the snowblower comes to clear the snow 50 min. to 1 hour approximately after the passage of the snowplow.
- Saturday and Sunday, the snowblower comes to clear the snow 30 min. to 45 min. approximately after the passage of the snowplow.
Snow Dump Sites
Please note that snow loading trucks must unload the snow at a spill sites located outside the City of Westmount. This can causes delays due to traffic to and from the site.
- Travel time between the City of Westmount and Butler Dump site
Approximately 15 min. to go + (10 min. of unloading) + 15 min. to return =Approximately 40 min. - Travel time between the City of Westmount and Newman Dump site
Approximately 25 min. to go + (10 min. of unloading) + 35 min. to return =Approximately 70 min.
Westmount relies on your cooperation to help keep our streets and sidewalks safe during the winter. Snow from private driveways and walkways must NOT be placed on public sidewalks, lanes or streets. During snow loading, snow may be added to the existing snowbanks prior to removal. If your vehicle is towed during snow removal operations, please contact Public Safety at 514 989-5222.