It’s still hot outside, but Mississauga officials want to talk about the snow

Temperatures in Mississauga are expected to reach the high 20s later this week, but City officials want to talk–at least a little bit–about the snow.

Specifically, they’re letting residents know that they’re accepting applications for the Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing Program until Nov. 18.

Through the program, the City of Mississauga will clear enough snow from the windrow–a pile of snow left at the end of a driveway after street snowplows do their thing–for one car to get in and out for eligible program participants aged 65 years or older, or people with physical disabilities.

The program runs from Dec. 2 to next March 13 and will serve 300 eligible residents on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cost is $200 (non-refundable) or free for those who meet financial assistance criteria.

“We’re committed to providing support to residents in need as part of the City’s winter maintenance program,” said Helen Noehammer, Mississauga’s director of works, operations and maintenance. “Our staff work hard clearing major roads for emergency vehicles and bus routes. Then they move on to secondary roads. After these are completed, windrow clearing operations begin. Depending on the intensity of a storm, it can take up to 36 hours after snowfall stops for windrow removal to begin, so we appreciate the patience of program participants.”

Those interested in receiving windrow clearing services throughout the upcoming winter can apply either online or submit an application at any of Mississauga’s 10 community centres, the Mississauga Seniors’ Centre or at Paramount Fine Foods Centre.

Applicants can download and print forms or get paper copies at the in-person locations.

Mississauga has 220 salt and plow trucks and 275 sidewalk and bus pad clearing units as part of its $25.4 million annual winter maintenance program.

For more information about the program, call 311.