People can apply now for snow clearing at the end of driveways in Mississauga

There is still a few weeks of summer left but the City of Mississauga is planning ahead for winter.

Registration for the City of Mississauga’s Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing Program is now open until Friday, Dec. 1, the City of Mississauga announced in a press release.

The program supports Mississauga residents who are 65 years old and older as well as persons with physical disabilities.

A windrow is a pile of snow that is left at the end of a driveway after street after a snow plow has cleared the street.

From Dec. 1 to Monday, March 11, 750 participants, chosen on a first-come, first-served basis will receive assistance in clearing windrows. The cost is $200 (non-refundable) for the season or free for those who meet financial assistance criteria.

Registered participants will get a three-metre space cleared in their driveway windrow so that a car can get in and out safely.

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Windrows were the subject of much debate last year. Some residents complained that the city should remove the heavy piles of snow from driveways but city council voted against a proposal that would have cost $11.6-million.

The windrow clearing program has, however, expanded this year from 300 households to 750.

“Winter storms with heavier snowfall have become the new normal, making windrows an unpleasant but unavoidable part of winter in Mississauga and our neighbouring municipalities,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie in the press release.

“We have more than doubled the number of spots in the program from 300 to 750. We’ve also opened registration early and extended the deadline. If you or someone you know has trouble clearing their driveway windrow and meets the program qualifications, I encourage you to consider applying.”

Residents are encouraged to apply as early as possible as winter weather is unpredictable, said Helen Noehammer, director, Works Operations and Maintenance.

When residents apply for the program, a city staff member will complete a site inspection the driveway so crews are prepared to clear a space in the windrow properly and efficiently.

“Even though registration is open until December 1, any significant snow we get before then may not make it possible for our crews to complete the required driveway inspection,” said Noehammer. “By applying early, we’re able to process your application and complete the necessary inspection so that we’re ready to clear your windrow when snow does arrive.”

For more information on how to apply and about financial assistance for the program, see the website here.

Applications can also be submitted in person at any of the city’s community centres, the Mississauga Seniors’ Centre or the Recreation Customer Service Centre at Paramount Fine Foods Centre during business hours.

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

You will need the following documents to apply:

• A completed Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing Application Form
• Proof of residency in Mississauga (e.g. driver’s licence, recent utility bill or lease agreement)
• If you are 65 years of age or older, you’ll need to provide proof of your age (e.g. birth certificate, driver’s licence or passport)
• If you are 64 years of age or under, you’ll need to submit one of the following as proof of a physical disability:
  • Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing Health Assessment
  • Accessible parking permit
  • TransHelp acceptance letter
• If you’re applying for the free program, you’ll also need to provide documents that show the total net income or earnings for your household

For registration help, call 311 (or 905-615-4311 outside city limits).

It may feel early to be thinking about winter, but it’s never too early to prepare for it.

Applications are open for the Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing Program for residents 65 years old and older & persons with a physical disability.

Apply by Dec. 1: https://t.co/PF1FSq6HmY pic.twitter.com/QmanULDnYc

— City of Mississauga (@citymississauga) August 14, 2023