Toronto lets you see snow plows in real time and here’s how it works

Toronto has just been hit with its first major snowfall of the season, and, of course, the roads are a mess. The City of Toronto is working tirelessly to clear the streets with its salters and snow plows, but unfortunately, some low-traffic areas may have to wait a bit longer than others. Here’s a way to avoid the hassle and see if your neck of the woods is covered in snow or in the clear.

PlowTO

The city has an online, real-time map that shows the locations of plows, sidewalk plows, and salt trucks.

It highlights which roads have been cleared in less than four hours (green), between four and eight hours (yellow), and between eight and 12 hours (red).

Which roads in Toronto are clear right now?

According to the map, at the time of writing, the majority of city roads are highlighted in green. However, a good chunk of streets are in yellow, with a number of them in red. Unfortunately, for most residential roads, those have yet to be cleared.

During heavier snowfalls, the city sends out its snow removal crews, but it’s important to note that residents must clear snow on their own properties.

According to the city, “property owners are responsible for clearing ice and snow from private property – including driveways, parking spaces, steps, ramps, and landings – within 24 hours after snowfall ends to provide safe access for people and vehicles.”

And if you don’t, you can get fined. “The set fine for not clearing snow from public and private property is $500 plus $115 surcharge, total of $615,” shares the city.

They also ask that if you’re able to help clear sidewalks for senior or disabled persons nearby, please do so. You can learn more about Sidewalk Clearing on their official site.

And for the map, as we said, it updates in real-time, so use it when needed, before you hit the road.

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