Sidewalk & Windrow Snow Rules: Oshawa and Whitby

Every winter the same question comes up after the first big snowfall: whose job is the sidewalk, and what about the pile the plow leaves at the bottom of my driveway? In Durham Region the answer is mostly the same — it’s yours — but the details differ by town. Here’s what the municipalities say. By-laws can change, so treat this as a guide and check the links for the current wording.

Oshawa

According to the City of Oshawa:

• Property owners must clear sidewalks by midnight after the first day the snowfall has ended.
• You’re also responsible for snow at the end of your driveway and windrows.
• Snow from your driveway and sidewalk should be piled on your property, not the roadway.
• If a sidewalk isn’t cleared, you can face a fine, plus any costs if the City has to clear it.
• The City offers a snow clearing assistance program for eligible residents, including those 65 and older or with disabilities.

Whitby

According to the Town of Whitby:

• If you own property in Whitby, you must clear ice and snow from all sidewalks and walkways that border it, within 24 hours of a snowfall.
• Depositing snow on streets and moving snow across the road is prohibited.
• You have to keep a 60 cm radius clear around any fire hydrant on your boulevard.
• If you don’t comply, the Town may clear the snow and charge you for it.
• Residents over 65 or with disabilities can apply for the Town’s free snow and windrow clearing program.

Ajax

Ajax has its own by-law on clearing sidewalks and the ends of driveways, and its rules and timelines may differ from Oshawa’s or Whitby’s. Check the Town of Ajax’s snow and ice pages for the current wording rather than assuming it matches a neighbouring town.

What’s a windrow, and why is it such a pain?

A windrow is the ridge of snow a municipal plow pushes across the bottom of your driveway as it clears the street. It’s made of the heavy, packed snow from the road, often mixed with ice, and it can be the hardest part of the whole job to move — right when you’re trying to leave for work. Oshawa says plainly that windrow clearing is the home or property owner’s responsibility, and Whitby runs a free windrow clearing program for residents 65 and older or with disabilities — a sign that for everyone else, it’s on you. That’s why one question is worth asking any contractor: is windrow clearing included? On our plans it’s cleared every visit. Our post on what snow removal costs in Durham explains why that detail changes how quotes compare.

Practical tips

• Clear sidewalks and walkways as soon as it’s safe after the snow stops, not at the end of the allowed time.
• Pile snow on your own property and keep drains and hydrants clear.
• If clearing yourself isn’t realistic, a seasonal plan with a written trigger and a clear scope means it gets done without you thinking about it. See the checklist of what to look for in a contract.

Want it handled? Request a free quote or see our snow removal service page.

Frequently Asked

How long do I have to clear my sidewalk in Oshawa?

The City of Oshawa says property owners must clear sidewalks by midnight after the first day the snowfall has ended. You’re also responsible for the snow at the end of your driveway and for windrows.

How long do I have in Whitby?

The Town of Whitby gives property owners 24 hours to remove ice and snow from sidewalks and walkways that border their property.

Can I push my snow onto the road?

Not in Oshawa or Whitby. Both prohibit it — Oshawa’s guidance is to pile driveway and sidewalk snow on your own property, not the roadway.