Winter Response if active only during the months of November to April. 

 How Roads, Sidewalks and Parking lots are Prioritized

The Town's goal is to put the safety of everyone first! So, what does that exactly mean while it is snowing?...

The Town is responsible for maintaining over 400 km roads, 150 km sidewalks, 37 km trails, 27 parking lots and 53 school crossings.

 How the Town Manages the Flow of Snow

Primary Roads

While it is snowing the Town will clear all primary roads first. These are the roads that provide access to Regional Roads, schools, community centers and industrial/commercial areas.

Secondary Roads 

The Town will then move on to secondary roads. These roads feed primary and tiertiary roads. Some of these roads include Ravenscroft, Williamson, Burcher, Monarch and Clover Ridge. 

Tertiary Roads

The Town will focus on tertiary roads (residential streets), sidewalks/trails and parking lots. 

If/When Snow Continues to Fall

During prolonged weather events, the Town routinely focuses every effort to ensure that all roads' classifications are addressed in a timely manner, however the Town may need to shift the response to address primary roads and secondary roads. It is these roads that carry the most traffic volumes as well as required artery for all emergency vehicles who may be responding to an emergency call.

As you can imagine, the amount of work that goes into any winter event is pretty big. Your patience and understanding is always appreciated. 
 Winter Event Monitoring

The Town actively patrols roads to check conditions and staff monitor weather forecasts throughout the winter months.

This includes current and future weather patterns. 
 Clearing Snow and Ice from the Sidewalks

The Town sidewalk plows clear about 150 km of Ajax's 400 km of sidewalk. This cleanup will start after all roads have been cleared and can take up to 16 hours to complete. If snow continue to falls it can take longer. 

Businesses and Residents Responsibilities 

It is important for residents and business to understand their responsibilities and possible fines associated with sidewalks. 

Businesses and Residents are responsibility for clearing the sidewalks in front of their business/house within 24 hours after a snow fall or ice forming. The fines for not clearing the snow or ice within 24 hours are $150 up to 23 metres (*additional costs if more then 23 metres). These fines will be applied automatically to your property taxes. 
 Parking Permits and Fines During Winter Months (November to April)

Occasional Use Parking Permits

Occasional use parking permits are still being issued during winter months with some restrictions.

  • Permits will be revoked during an active snow event.
  • Permits will not be issued during an active snow event.

Apply for a parking permit

Fines During Winter Months (November to April)

Cars parked on the road during a winter event (when Town plows or trucks are actively salting or plowing) will be ticketed and possibly towed at the owners expense. 

NOTE: On-Street parking is suspended before, during, or after a snow event.
 Winter Safety Tips
  • Help clear the roads, remove parked cars from the street and give equipment lots of room to manoeuvre.
  • Residents must clear snow at the end of their driveway.
  • Be a good neighbour, remove ice and snow from the sidewalk surrounding your home, within 24 hours of a snowfall.
  • The Town services roads on a priority system.
  • Super Mailboxes - the Town of Ajax does not perform snow removal operations around super mailboxes. Please contact Canada Post at www.canadapost.ca or by phone at 1-800-267-1177 for snow removal in this area.
  • Transit Shelters and Stops - Bus shelters and bus stops are the responsibility of the Region of Durham.  Please contact the Region Transit Authority at 905-579-2471, if you have any questions regarding transit.
 Snow Removal for Seniors and Qualified Residents

PLEASE NOTE: Snow removal services will begin seven days after your application has been processed.

  • Residents 65 years of age or older
  • nobody under the age of 65 living with you;
  • unable to do the work due to a physical disability, as indicated by a doctor's note

For more information and pricing, or to apply for the program, download the Application Form (PDF Version) or contact Operations & Environmental Services at 905-683-2951, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Download Senior Snow Removal Application Form