The town of Oakville is expanding its Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing program to accommodate up to 1,100 driveways and will now include all residents, regardless of age or physical ability.
A snow windrow is the pile of snow that is left at the bottom of a driveway after the snow plow has cleared the road. Driveway windrow snow clearing services will run from Dec. 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025.
In previous years, the program was only offered to residents aged 65 or older, as well as those with a physical disability or medical condition who are unable to clear their windrow(s) on their own.
As part of the program’s expansion, the town can now accommodate any resident, regardless of physical ability, medical condition or age.
The town says they will continue to prioritize registration for seniors aged 65 and older, and those with physical disabilities or medical conditions with program registration to be conducted in two phases:
- Starting Sept. 2 until Sept. 30, advanced priority registration at a reduced cost begins for residents 65 years of age or older, and/or those with a physical disability or medical condition. A non-refundable fee of $102 + HST, per driveway entrance for the entire season must be paid at the time of registration. Previous program registrants will also be notified of the advanced priority registration timeframe so interested residents can apply for the 2024-2025 winter season.
- Starting Oct. 7 until Nov. 1, town-wide registration for all residents begins. A non-refundable fee of $118 + HST, per driveway entrance for the entire season must be paid at the time of registration.
Registration and payment can be completed through the town’s online services. Interested residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, once registration opens.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first serve basis and capped to a maximum of 1,100 driveways. Should program capacity be reached before November 1, the town will close registration.
Councillor Nav Nanda (of Ward 7, for which this is a particular issue), says, "We are excited to have this new expanded program that will allow more residents to get windrow service."
"With 1,100 spots available, more residents now have the opportunity to take this service if they wish too on a first come basis," she continued. "We know that this will be beneficial for those in Ward 7 as well."
"Council is pleased to expand driveway snow windrow clearing services to even more Oakville residents this year," said Mayor Rob Burton.
"It is a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and accessibility of our community, particularly our seniors and those with mobility challenges, during the winter months. This initiative reflects our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents by offering this essential service to those who need it most."
For more information and ongoing updates, residents can visit the town's Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing page.