Winter Has Arrived!

Town reminds residents how to help keep Wasaga Beach safe and accessible this season

“Winter in Wasaga Beach is beautiful, but it also requires teamwork. When residents move vehicles, clear hydrants, and look out for their neighbours, it helps our crews do their jobs more effectively and keeps our community safe for everyone.” - Mayor Brian Smith

WASAGA BEACH – With snow now on the ground and winter conditions underway, the Town of Wasaga Beach is reminding residents of simple, proactive steps they can take to help keep the community safe, accessible, and moving smoothly throughout the season. 

Each winter, the Town’s Public Works team works around the clock to maintain roads and sidewalks in accordance with the Town’s Winter Control Policy and Provincial Maintenance Standards. With thirteen designated plowing routes, it can take six to eight hours to complete a full snow-clearing cycle. Factors such as snowfall frequency, total accumulation, traffic conditions, and how and where vehicles are parked can all impact how quickly and safely crews are able to complete their work. 

To support snow-clearing operations, residents are reminded of the following parking and vehicle placement requirements:

• Do not park vehicles on Town-owned boulevards, as these areas are required for snow storage.
• Ensure vehicles do not encroach onto the roadway or sidewalk, allowing snow-clearing equipment to pass safely and fully clear snow to the road edge or curb.
• Follow winter parking restrictions: From November 1, 2025, to April 1, 2026, no on-street parking is permitted between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., and vehicles must not block snowplows or sidewalks.

Other Ways Residents Can Help

Residents play an important role in keeping streets clear and safe. To assist Town crews and ensure efficient snow removal, residents are encouraged to:

❄️ Remove all sporting equipment, including basketball hoops, hockey nets, skateboard ramps, and bicycles, from roadways and boulevards. These areas must remain clear for snow storage.
❄️ Keep garbage, recycling, and compost bins at least 1.5 metres (5 ft) back from the edge of the asphalt. Where possible, create a space in the snowbank for bins on collection day. If this is not possible, place bins at the end of the driveway—not on the road or in front of snowbanks.
❄️ Avoid pushing or blowing snow onto the roadway. This is unsafe and violates municipal by-laws.
❄️ Pile driveway snow on the right side (facing the street) to help reduce the windrow left by plows.
❄️ “Adopt a hydrant” by keeping it clear of snow. Quick access supports fire safety and insurance requirements and can be a shared neighbourhood effort.
❄️ Be a Snow Angel! Lend a hand to neighbours who may struggle with snow removal.
❄️ Be patient. During heavy snowfalls, crews work through a priority system: main roads and transit routes first, followed by collector and local streets. Sidewalks are cleared using a similar approach, beginning with high-traffic areas and school zones. 

Snow Removal Financial Assistance Program

The Town’s Snow Removal Financial Assistance Program helps qualifying residents - including low income seniors and residents with physical disabilities - offset the cost of driveway snow removal. 

Eligible homeowners and renters can apply for a financial grant to assist with purchasing private snow-clearing services. Applications are open now and are due by January 23, 2026, or until available program funds are fully allocated. 

For eligibility criteria and application details, visit wasagabeach.com/SRFA. 

Learn more about Winter Maintenance.

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Media contact:
Sandra Watts
Director of Strategic Communications & Intergovernmental Affairs
sandra.watts@wasagabeach.com