Short answer: in Oakville the winter rule that catches people is parking. The Town's Parking By-law bans parking on town streets from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m., November 15 to April 15, unless you have a permit, and any car blocking snow clearing can be ticketed, permit or not. The snowbank at the end of your driveway is yours to clear.
The parking rule
- Overnight: no parking on town streets from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. between November 15 and April 15, unless you have a permit.
- During snow clearing: a car that gets in the way of the plows can be ticketed even with a permit. The Town asks everyone to move cars off the road while it plows.
The Town's page doesn't list a fine amount, so check your ticket or call ServiceOakville at 905-845-6601.
What the Town clears
The Town clears about 2,000 lane kilometres of road and 1,100 kilometres of sidewalk each winter. With more than 55,000 driveways, plow operators can't lift the blade at each one, so the plow will leave a ridge of snow across the end of your driveway. The Town has offered a paid windrow clearing program in past winters, so check its snow clearing page to see if it's open this season.
What's on you
- The windrow at the end of your driveway, unless you're signed up for the Town's paid program.
- Your driveway, walkway and steps.
- Fire hydrants and catch basins near you. The Town asks residents to keep them clear.
- Where the snow goes. Keep it on your property. Throwing it onto the road is against the Highway Traffic Act, with fines up to $1,000. More in can you get fined for shovelling snow onto the road.
The Town's tip: pile your snow on the right side of the driveway as you face the street. The plow throws snow to the right, so a pile on the left gets pushed back across your driveway.
Where a snow service fits
The windrow is the heaviest snow you'll move all winter, and it shows up after you've already shovelled. Our Oakville routes run through Old Oakville, Glen Abbey, Bronte, River Oaks, Joshua Creek and the rest of town. We clear the driveway, walkway and windrow with snowblowers and shovels, never a plow blade, so interlock driveways don't get scratched. Salting comes with every clear, and the snow stays on your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park on the street overnight in Oakville in winter?
Not between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. from November 15 to April 15, unless you have a permit. Even with a permit, you can be ticketed if your car blocks snow clearing.
Does Oakville clear the end of my driveway?
Not as a standard service. The plow can't lift its blade at every driveway, so the windrow is yours unless you join the Town's paid windrow program in a season it runs.
Where should I put my snow?
On your own property, on the right side of the driveway as you face the street, and away from hydrants and catch basins.
Can I blow snow into the street?
No. The Highway Traffic Act bans putting snow on the road, with fines up to $1,000.
Want it all handled before your morning? See your Oakville seasonal price, from $650 for the winter, or read what snow removal costs in Oakville.