Snowstorms & Emergencies

Here are some tips for preparing for a snowfall:

• Prepare your vehicle for winter weather.
• Learn and practice winter driving techniques.
• Do not park on busy streets during a heavy snow fall, even if on-street parking is allowed at certain times of the day.
• Check for Snow Route, No Stopping and No Parking signs when parking on streets.
• Take public transit.
• Tune in to a local radio station to listen for a possible snow emergency to be declared later.

Before a snowstorm, we apply anti-icing material which is a salt brine solution that helps keep snow and ice from bonding to the roadway. Once the storm begins, City crews and contractors begin by applying de-icing material such as salt or a sand/salt mixture and plowing roadways throughout Hamilton. We want to ensure that Hamilton’s roads remain open for emergency vehicles, buses , business and major institutions like schools and hospitals.

Roads are plowed based on priority:

• First priority is main routes and escarpment crossings
• Second priority is collector roads
• Third priority is neighbourhood streets

Certain roads are snow emergency routes. When the City declares a snow emergency, it is illegal to park on these roads. Vehicles that block snow routes during an emergency may be ticketed and/or towed at the owner's expense.

Snow emergency routes may be signed with:

• No Stopping Anytime
• No Parking Anytime
• No Parking Snow Route

Snow emergencies are announced on local radio stations.

Here are some tips for winter driving:

• If you must drive, give yourself more time to reach your destination.
• Drive according to weather and road conditions.
• Park your vehicle off the street where possible.
• Do not park in a spot that has a Snow Route, No Stopping or No Parking sign.
• Stay back at least 25 metres from snow plows, sanders and other equipment so the operator can see you.
• Stay behind snow plows. Passing a plow is dangerous.