Heavy snow hard to clear from driveways in Mississauga; city says sign up now for winter help

Mississauga residents who’ll need help clearing the snow from the bottom of their driveway this coming winter should think about signing up for a helping hand now, city officials say.

The City of Mississauga’s Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing Program invites residents aged 65 and over and those with a physical disability to apply to get help clearing windrows, the pile of hard-packed snow (and ice) left at the end of driveways after the streets are plowed.

Registration is now open until Nov. 1 and the program runs from Nov. 22 until next March 24.

“Despite last winter’s milder weather, winter in Mississauga usually brings heavy snowfall and significant storms,” city officials said in a news release issued Monday. “Preparing for this unpredictable season is important. Although you’re feeling the heat, the snowy season is right around the corner.”

Those interested in the service can apply online or in person at any community centre in Mississauga in addition to the Mississauga Seniors’ Centre and Paramount Fine Foods Centre Sportsplex. Cost is $200 (non-refundable) for the season, or free for those who meet financial assistance criteria, and the service is available to 750 people on a first-come, first-served basis.

Residents who need the service are encouraged by the city to register as early as possible to secure their spot.

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For more information, call 311 or 905-615-4311 (outside city limits).

Only a few municipalities in the GTA, including Toronto, provide full windrow-clearing service for all who need the help. Mississauga is one of a half-dozen or so that provides limited windrow services.

The matter of windrows became a big issue during winter 2022-23 when several major storms left numbers of people in Mississauga trapped in their homes, unable to clear the heavy snow and ice themselves.

Mississauga councillors said at the time they fielded more windrow complaints from residents than ever before.

Windrows have been a significant source of growing public frustration in recent years that hit new heights in early 2023, culminating in several isolated incidents in which angry residents attacked Mississauga snow plow drivers and their machines.