Snow Removal Rules
What the City clears, what's on you, and the rule everyone breaks by accident.
The City handles snow clearing on public roads and sidewalks through contractors, but a few rules and responsibilities fall on residents and private snow-removal contractors.
What the City clears
The City clears roughly 220 km of roads and 47 km of sidewalks using contracted snow-removal crews.
Do not push snow into the street or onto the sidewalk
It is strictly prohibited to push snow from your driveway or property into the street or onto the sidewalk. The stated fine is $200 for a first offense, with higher penalties for repeat offenses.
Private snow-removal contractors need a permit
Contractors clearing private lots (driveways, parking lots) must hold a City permit under Règlement no 1692. Applications go through the Urban Planning Service.
Urban Planning Service
Liability
The City states it is not liable for accidents linked to snow or ice on its network unless its own fault is proven - this includes situations involving contractor negligence.
Whether homeowners must clear their own sidewalk
Research this pass found that the City describes sidewalk clearing as a City-contracted service, but did not turn up an explicit statement of any homeowner sidewalk-clearing duty (common in some Quebec municipalities). Don't assume either way - confirm directly with Public Works.
Verify with the City: Details in this section were unclear or unconfirmed from a direct primary source during research. Confirm with the City before relying on the specifics above.