The Town of Newmarket continues its snow clearing operations on Newmarket roads and sidewalks with the Town’s significant weather declaration still in effect. Newmarket, like other Ontario municipalities, continues to face challenges due to high winds, extreme cold temperatures and limited space to store snow. It is estimated that over 60 cm of snow has fallen since February 12.
“Newmarket snow crews have been working tirelessly around the clock, over the past week clearing the roads and sidewalks during all weather conditions to ensure roads are safe for emergency access and for residents to get to their destination. ”We received 60 cm of snow this past week for a total of 86 cm in February 2025 alone. That is a lot of snow in a short period of time as we received a total of 100 cm of snow in 2024,” says Mayor John Taylor. “Most municipalities in Ontario are facing similar challenges and we ask the community to continue to be patient and respectful towards Town staff who are working very long hours to help keep our community safe.”
Initial snow clearing has been performed on most roads, and now crews are responding with a recovery plan focused on addressing the areas of highest priority such as removing snow from blocked sidewalks and primary routes (regional roads, school routes and emergency access routes) and removing snow from areas with little to no storage such as courts, wide elbows streets and downtown commercial access routes. It is estimated that it could take up to two weeks or more to complete the snow removal efforts while addressing the highest priority areas in a safe manner. The clean-up timeline could be impacted if additional precipitation (snow, ice or rain) occurs over the coming weeks. However, the Town is ready and has brought on more contracted resources to assist.
Due to limited snow storage space in Newmarket, the Town can no longer effectively use sidewalk plows to remove snow from sidewalks. To combat this, snow blowers will be used initially, followed by the use of a sidewalk plow. This process while effective, does take longer to complete all areas. As a result, the Town has acquired more snow blowers and contracted more resources to speed up the process.
Residents can assist with snow plowing operations by keeping these tips in mind:
Avoid parking on the street or overhanging sidewalks to allow for snow plows to pass. Reminder that on-street parking is not allowed from the hours of 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.
If you need extra parking, apply for a FREE Off-Street Parking Permit. This program allows residents to park in select municipal lots overnight between the hours of 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. when winter parking restrictions are in effect. Cars are required to be moved by 7 a.m. to allow for snow clearing at the facility.
Property owners are also encouraged to help aid the Town in clearing sidewalks adjacent to their property. When clearing snow adjacent to your property, remember not to shovel snow on the street. Be a good neighbour and lend a hand to those who are physically unable to shovel or have difficulty leaving their home due to snow or ice.
Make sure nothing on your property is obstructing sidewalk snow plows (vehicles).
Do not plow snow from your driveway onto roads.
Report fallen branches or trees to 905-895-5193 during regular hours and press 3 to access our after-hours service.
Report power outages to NT Power at 905-895-2309 or view their outage dashboard.
Avoid placing waste items on a snowbank, on the street or on the sidewalk.
If possible, clear a path to and from fire hydrants to assist Central York Fire Services during emergencies.
Clear areas around your home such as exhaust vents for dryer, furnace, wood burning or gas stoves. Ensure these areas are not obstructed by snow or ice build up to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide. Do not use a shovel or snow blower near these elements to ensure you do not damage them.
Please respect our snow plow operators
Be courteous and kind to all Newmarket snow crews as they work hard throughout the day and overnight to ensure all roads, sidewalks and trails are plowed and safe for residents to travel on. Please be patient, respect our snow plow operators and give them the space they need to plow the area.
The Town understands that heavy snow falls can be frustrating for residents; however, please avoid approaching snow plow operators when they are doing their work. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
For more information on snow removal, including frequently asked questions, please visit newmarket.ca/snowclearing.
