The Town of Newmarket is accepting limited applications for its Residential Windrow Opening Pilot Program for the 2025/2026 season to the first 100 eligible households. Applications will be accepted from September 1 to September 30, 2025, for this one-year pilot initiative.
“After the large amount of snowfall last season and hearing that some residents would like to see an expanded clearing service for those that require it the most. Council and I are pleased to start a limited windrow opening pilot program to help low-income seniors and those with physical limitations who also demonstrate a financial need,” says Mayor John Taylor. “Our goal is to balance the needs of the community while keeping taxes low. We believe that starting with a pilot program for the 2025/2026 season will provide us with valuable data and learning opportunities that may inform future potential changes to the program.”
This program will be open to:
- Seniors (65 years or older) who demonstrate a financial limitation.
- A person with a disability who demonstrates a financial limitation.
All applicants must confirm there are no able-bodied persons aged 18 or older in the dwelling capable of clearing snow.
How to apply?
To apply, residents must complete an application form and submit the following information:
- Seniors (65 years or older) who demonstrate a financial limitation
- Proof of age.
- Income of $23,000 or less for a single person
- Income of $40,000 or less for a family of two or more
- For individuals with a disability who demonstration financial limitations
- Must provide documentation reflecting receipt of one of benefits under:
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- Or in receipt of disability amounts under the Social Assistance Reform Act
Details of the Residential Windrow Opening Pilot Program:
- The pilot program will run from November 15, 2025, to March 31, 2026, with a maximum of 100 approved applications on a first come, first serve basis.
- The service will only be provided when plowing operations are initiated (when snow accumulation exceeds 6cm). Windrow opening will begin once winter maintenance and plowing of primary and secondary roads are completed. The Town and its contractor will aim to open the windrows as soon as plowing operations are complete. However, this may take up to 24 hours depending on the amount of snow that has fallen. Learn more about our snow clearing procedures at Newmarket.ca/SnowClearing.
- The Town’s service level is to clear approximately 75% of each residential driveway. Residual snow will be placed on the driveway apron and boulevard.
- Sidewalk windrows are not included in this program.
- If the Town of Newmarket declares a significant weather event, the windrow opening program service may be delayed.
- Service may be impacted or delayed on waste and recycling collection days. Please remove bins from the curb once emptied.
- Please ensure vehicles are clear from the end of the driveway.
- Properties with curb-faced sidewalks or over-curb parking (e.g., Bondi Ave.) may not be serviced.
- The program does not include driveways on regional roads, commercial, industrial, institutional, high-rise, multi-residential, private roads, rear lanes, or roads under development.
- Qualified applicants must remove all obstructions from the end of their driveway, and their house number must be clearly visible.
- Applicants agree to a waiver of claims against the Town for any property damage or other issues arising from the service, as detailed below.
The Town of Newmarket currently performs winter maintenance on local municipal owned roads and all sidewalks. This equates to 644 lane km of roads (both sides) and 364 km of sidewalks. Snow plowing begins once snow accumulation has reached 6 cm and it can take up to 16 hours to clear all streets in Newmarket, and even longer if snow continues to fall.
