Do you Live in Waterloo? You Should Know Your Sidewalk Clearing Responsibilities

December 12, 2019, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

We are into winter now and it seems like some of us are diligent with shovelling, others aren't and some don't need to be! I wrote about general snow clearing requirements a few weeks ago. Today we'll highlight requirements for the residents of Waterloo, and what responsibility they have for clearing snow on the sidewalks in front of properties they own. Clearing your sidewalk in a timely manner helps keep the path open and safe for your neighbours.

You can read the whole City of Waterloo by-law on their website here.

Sidewalk clearing standards

In Waterloo, responsibility for sidewalk clearance is shared. In general:

• the city clears sidewalks not connected to a residence or business
• property owners clear sidewalks connected to a residence or business

Use our sidewalk map to check if a specific sidewalk is the city or property owner's responsibility. 

Per the snow removal bylaw, property owners must clear their sidewalks within 24 hours of the end of a snow or ice storm. 

We clear city-maintained sidewalks using standards set out in the Municipal Act, which generally require clearance with 48 hours of the end of a snow or ice storm. Areas with increased mobility needs are given priority after a snow event. 

Report an uncleared sidewalk

If a private sidewalk is not cleared after the 24 hour period:

• enter the address into our online reporting system to dispatch on officer (registration required)
• contact municipal enforcement at 519-747-6280 during business hours

If a city sidewalk is not cleared after the 48 hour period:

• let us know using our issue reporting form
• contact 519-886-2310 during business hours

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

The opinions expressed here, while intended to provide useful information, should not be interpreted as legal recommendations or advice.