Windrow clearing program expanded to include more driveways in Burlington

More residents in Burlington will get the snow cleared away from the end of their driveways this winter.

City councillors have approved the expansion of the windrow removal program which will see it rise from 200 available spots to 1,000 driveways and include more eligible areas.

A windrow is the pile of snow left at the bottom of driveways by snow plows. Even though the plows clear the roads, the windrows can become a burden to homeowners trying to get in and out of driveways. Often, if left overnight, the windrows harden and are difficult to remove.

Most residents will have to apply in advance to claim one of the available spots and there is a fee for the service which is $125 plus HST per driveway for the entire season.

In past years the program was only offered to those with disabilities or individuals unable to clear their windrows themselves and in certain neighbourhoods. As part of the program’s expansion, the City now has the capacity to offer spots to any resident, regardless of physical ability or age.

However, the City will continue to focus on providing spots to persons with disabilities. Previous registrants will be contacted over the next week to secure a spot in the program. Following that, advanced registration for persons with disabilities will open on Oct. 5 at 9 a.m. Registration for residents city-wide will open on Oct. 19 at 9 a.m.

There will be online, in-person and assisted registration options. Registration closes November 10, 2023.

If you are successful in getting into the program, crews will clear windrows within 36 hours of snowfall stopping and within 12 hours of residential road plowing. Residential road plowing only occurs after accumulations of 7.5 cm or more of snow. Windrow clearing services will run from Dec. 1, 2023 until March 31, 2024.