City of Brampton prepared for major snowfall and extreme cold; shares resources to help residents stay safe and warm

​​BRAMPTON, ON-Environment and Climate Change Canada​ has issued a Yellow Level Warning​ (significant weather event), as a polar vortex brings the coldest temperatures of the 2026 winter season, with wind chills as low as minus 33 degrees Celsius expected throughout the weekend. The City of Brampton is sharing cold-weather safety tips and resources to help residents stay safe and warm. In addition to the frigid temperatures, up to 30 centimetres of snow is anticipated on Sunday, January 25, into Monday, January 26, and winter operations crews are ready to respond.

Understanding snow clearing in Brampton

How it works

During winter weather events, City crews work around the clock to keep Brampton moving safely, prioritizing major roads and emergency corridors before moving into neighbourhood streets.

The City has made a significant investment in winter maintenance to improve road conditions by clearing roads sooner and with more frequent passes during snow events. These additional passes are intended to help manage snow accumulation over time, improve traction and maintain safer driving conditions as storms continue.

Following a significant snowfall, if required, the City also conducts snow removal operations, removes excess snowbanks in select locations such as downtown Brampton, some local roads and courts and bridges, to improve visibility, support the safe passage of vehicle traffic and maintain emergency access.

Brampton's commitment to service

The City of Brampton clears snow in a priority system, with major roadways cleared first, then local streets once they have accumulated five centimetres of snow in a single storm. They are not plowed to the pavement level to minimize the risk of surface damage, and it is normal for some snow to stay on the ground, even after the plow has passed. The City aims to return streets to safe, passable conditions within 24 hours after a snowfall ends and is extended to 48 hours during significant weather events. Non-emergency snow clearing concerns can be reported through the City's 311 mobile app or online at 311brampton.ca​, beginning 24 hours after a snowfall ends or 48 hours after a significant winter weather event, once crews have had time to address priority routes.

For more information, updates on city-wide snow clearing operations and multilingual resources, visit brampton.ca/snow.

Brampton's snow clearing operation by the numbers

With every significant snowfall, crews clear 4,162 lane kilometres of roads, the same distance as flying from Toronto to San José, Costa Rica, but covered on the ground, in winter conditions, across Brampton's neighbourhoods. In addition, they also clear:

• 2,681 transit stops
• 1,041 kilometres of sidewalks fronting City-owned properties
• 251 school crossing locations
• 224 kilometres of recreational trails
• 84 City facility parking lots
  

Windrow clearing

The City of Brampton recognizes that clearing windrows, the snow left at the end of driveways after plowing, can be frustrating for residents and remains committed to balancing affordability with efficient and timely winter maintenance. Crews do not go back to remove the pile of snow (windrow). The homeowner is responsible for clearing the snow.

During a recent telephone town hall on the 2026 Budget attended by more than 5,800 households, participants were asked whether they would support an average annual property tax increase of approximately $92 to add windrow clearing to the City's snow clearing process. Only 41 per cent of participants indicated support for the additional cost.

Tips for clearing windrows safely

• Clear windrows early and often: Shovel smaller amounts before snow compacts or freezes.
• Start at the centre: Cut a narrow path through the middle of the windrow, then widen it.
• Lift smart: Bend at the knees, push when possible and take breaks to avoid strain.
• Use ice melt carefully: Apply sparingly to loosen packed snow, keeping pet-safe products in mind.
• Check in on seniors and residents with mobility challenges and offer assistance when safe to do so.
• Seek financial assistance: Encourage eligible residents to apply for the City's Snow Removal Financial Assistance Program at brampton.ca/snow.​

​Street parking is prohibited during winter weather events

Parking on streets is prohibited during winter weather events to allow plows, salters and emergency vehicles to safely pass. All parking considerations are invalid. No parking considerations will be issued until after the snow removal process is complete. Under the City's by-law, vehicle owners can be fined for interfering with snow removal or winter maintenance:

• First offence: $250
• Second offence: $500
• Subsequent offences: $750

By-law Enforcement Officers are proactively inspecting roads to confirm parked vehicles are removed, enabling plows to pass safely and efficiently. Vehicles parked on the road during winter weather events will be towed at the owner's expense. Since the beginning of winter, the City towed 369 vehicles and issued 9,438 tickets for obstructing snow-clearing operations. Be street smart and get to know the rules at brampton.ca/snow. ​.

Extreme cold weather reminders and resources

During an extreme cold weather alert, members of the public are encouraged to take the following safety precautions:

• Check the weather report before going outside.
• Dress in layers, making sure your outer layer is windproof, and cover exposed skin.
• Wear a hat, warm mittens or gloves and warm boots.
• Stay dry. Your risk of hypothermia is much greater if you are wet.
• Choose wool or synthetic fabrics for your clothes instead of cotton, because cotton stops keeping you warm once it gets wet.
• Seek shelter if you normally spend long periods outside. Depending on the wind chill, exposed skin can freeze in minutes.
• Drink warm fluids, other than alcohol.
• Warm up by taking regular breaks in heated buildings when enjoying winter activities outside.
• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities, or limiting time outdoors, during colder temperatures, especially if it's windy.
• Heat your home to at least 21 degrees Celsius if infants or elderly people are present.
• Visit vulnerable loved ones, friends and neighbours to ensure they are not experiencing any difficulties related to the weather.
  

Brampton Recreation

The City's top priority is the safety of its residents, patrons and employees and will monitor the weather and road conditions to determine the impacts on travelling. Recreation centres, including fitness centres, remain open for facility rentals and programs. Any impacts to programs and services will be communicated on Facebookand Instagramor by visiting brampton.ca/recreation.

​Keep pets safe during extreme weather

Extreme cold weather can pose serious risks to pets. During periods of severe cold, residents are encouraged to take extra precautions to protect their animals so they remain safe, warm and healthy.

• Keep pets indoors as much as possible during extreme cold.
  
• Limit time outside and shorten walks.
  
• Protect paws from snow, ice and salt.
  
• Provide warm shelter and fresh, unfrozen water.
  
• Watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia.
  

For more information, visit brampton.ca/animalservices.

Brampton Transit

Brampton Transit services may be impacted by weather and conditions. For route and schedule information, call 905-874-2999, visit bramptontransit.comor follow @bramptontransit​ on X for service updates.

Snow clearing reminders for residents

Following a winter weather event, under the Snow and Ice Removal By-law, ​ residents are required to maintain safe and accessible streets and sidewalks for all, including:

• Clearing sidewalks in front of your property of snow and ice by 11 am the day after a snowfall.
• Keeping fire hydrants on your property free from snow to maintain emergency access.
• Do not shovel snow onto the roadway, as this creates a safety risk for vehicles and can block catch basins, increasing flooding potential. This is considered fouling the highway (dumping) and is contrary to the Highway Traffic Act.
• Driveway windrows (the pile of snow the plow leaves at the end of the driveway) are not cleared by the City and must be cleared by residents. As windrows may be large when there is significant snowfall, residents could consider helping their neighbours to clear the windrow, where possible.
  

Snow clearing financial assistance for residents

The City's Financial Assistance Program for snow-clearing offers eligible individuals 65 years old and older and individuals living with disabilities support to hire help for snow removal from sidewalks and driveways. Eligible applicants can receive grants of up to $300 for non-corner lot properties or up to $400 for corner lots. This program is open to eligible individuals who own or rent their home. Residents can learn more about the program, determine their eligibility and apply by visiting this website. ​

Brampton's Plow Tracker

During a winter weather event, residents can track the progress of snow maintenance efforts using the City's plow tracker on brampton.ca/snow​ ​​​orthrough the 311 mobile app. With this tool, users can get updates, view road priorities and even see if a plow is near them. Service requests can also be submitted through the tracker. Check the website during weather events to follow the plow tracker.

Service Brampton

Residents can contact Service Brampton for any City of Brampton inquiries by using the Brampton 311 app (available on the App Store and Google Play), visiting 311brampton.caor by dialing 3-1-1 or 905-874-2000 (outside Brampton). Requests will be actioned in a priority sequence, such as requests related to parked vehicles blocking access for emergency vehicles or snow clearing operations. Service Brampton is available 24/7, with only urgent service requests handled between 12 am and 7 am. Non-urgent requests should be submitted through the app or online at 311brampton.ca​.

Emergency preparedness

Emergencies can strike at any time and any place without warning. During these times, emergency responders will need to assist those residents in urgent need first. This means it is important to be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours during a major emergency. In these circumstances, you will need an emergency preparedness kit with adequate supplies to keep you and your family self-sufficient. Find safety tips and emergency kit information at brampton.ca/prepared.​

Waste collection and bin storage

During winter weather events, there may be delays in the Region of Peel's garbage and organics collection service and Circular Material's recycling collection service. To help keep roads clear for snowplows, residents are asked to place their bins three feet from the curb on their scheduled collection days until it is picked up.

Learn more about setting out your bin in the winter and garbage and organics collection services by visiting Peel Region. For more information on recycling collection, visit Circular Materials. ​

Report broken or fallen City trees

Significant snow accumulation and high winds can cause broken branches and fallen trees. Parks Maintenance and Forestry staff are monitoring conditions and will respond to any urgent issues related to City trees, parking lots and recreational trails, taking necessary action to support the safety of park users. To report a fallen City tree or broken branches, submit a request by using the Brampton 311 app (available on the App Store and Google Play), visiting 311brampton.ca​ or by dialing 3-1-1 or 905-874-2000 (outside Brampton).

As outlined in the City's Property Standards By-law​​, residents are responsible for maintaining trees on their private property. Trees must be kept trimmed so branches do not overhang sidewalks or roadways, helping to keep our streets safe and accessible for everyone. If you need help caring for a tree, consider hiring a certified arborist to ensure it's done safely and in a way that protects the long-term health of the tree. ​