FAQ
Community Support Connections/Meals & Wheels & More at 519-772-8787;
- The Working Centre at 519-743-1151
Have I always had to clear the sidewalks around my property?
Yes, under the city's bylaw residents have always been responsible for clearing sidewalks around their property within 24 hours after a snowfall. Bylaw officers inspect sidewalks on a complaint basis.
How do I report unshovelled sidewalks?
Call the Corporate Contact Centre at 519-741-2345. When a complaint is received, staff will be sent out to inspect the sidewalk.
My sidewalk is covered in ice and is hard to clear. What should I do?
When snow or rain is in the forecast during the winter months try pretreating your sidewalk with salt or sand before the snow or rain falls. This will make it easier to remove and you will end up using less sand and salt then if you were to wait until the ice forms.
Homeowners can pick up free sand for icy walks at the Kitchener Operations Facility, 131 Goodrich Dr., Kitchener (go to gates 3 & 4 off of Wabanaki Drive).
What can you do to get people to shovel their sidewalks?
Every year, the city conducts an outreach campaign to let people know about their responsibility to remove snow and ice from sidewalks (according to city bylaws). To report unshovelled walks, call 519-741-2345. When a complaint is received, staff will inspect the property and issue a notice to the resident. If the sidewalk is not cleared upon re-inspection, city staff will remove the snow and invoice the resident.
I am unable to clear my sidewalks. Who can help me?
Contact your local high school to see if there are students who need volunteer hours and can help you through the winter, talk to your neighbours for assistance or hire a contractor.
Why do plows go so fast and throw snow on my sidewalk?
Sorry! There is no practical way to avoid pushing snow into driveway entrances during plowing operations. To avoid additional work, we suggest you delay clearing your driveway entrance until your street is cleared full width.
Plows must maintain a minimum speed to throw snow off to the side. Some sidewalks are very close to the curb and it is difficult to avoid getting snow on them. Please call 519-741-2345 to report these situations and we may remove the snow.
What about bus stops, or fire hydrants, or mailboxes? Who is responsible for clearing snow around those?
If you see that the hydrant closest to your home is buried by drifts or snowbanks, please dig it out or call the Kitchener Fire Department at 519-741-2582 or City of Kitchener at 519-741-2529 and select option #3.
Mail boxes: Please call Canada Post at 1-800-267-1177.
Bus stops: All inquiries should be directed to the Region – Grand River Transit 519-585-7555.