Council approves new driveway windrow snow clearing service fee model

By Gazette Staff

June 25th, 2026

BURLINGTON. ON

City Council has approved a new service level and cost model for the City’s residential windrow snow clearing program, which assists residents with clearing the snow pile left at the end of driveways after snowplows pass.

A little early to be thinking about snow clearing, but for those who need the service, this matters. $150.00 a year!

The program review and changes follow Council’s 2026 budget decision to enhance the Windrow Clearing Program by reducing response times from 12 to eight hours after the completion of all residential road plowing.

Frustrating to have cleared your driveway to have the snow you removed pushed back into your driveway.

As part of that decision, Council directed staff to examine comparable municipal programs and evaluate cost-recovery options to determine an appropriate fee structure for the enhanced service.

The approved model includes an annual program fee of $150 plus HST and introduces a 50 percent fee reduction for eligible residents.

The reduced fee will be available to residents who meet one of the following eligibility criteria:

• Are 65 years of age or older
• Have a disability or physical limitation that prevents them from clearing the windrow themselves, and no able-bodied person between the ages of 16 and 65 resides at the property
• Receive benefits through the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
• Are enrolled in the City’s Recreation Fee Assistance Program or Transit Low Income Pass Program

City staff are working to finalize program details, including registration processes, eligibility verification requirements and operational plans for the 2026-2027 winter season. Additional information will be shared in the coming months.

In April the city surveyed people who were using the windrow service.  They report that “nearly” 90% reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the service.