Snow Removal

The winter season brings significant snowfall that property owners must manage appropriately. Snow removal from driveways, roofs and other private surfaces must be carried out in compliance with applicable municipal regulations, by both residents and snow removal contractors.

Applicable regulations

In Kirkland, rules governing snow removal are set out in:

• By-Law No. 2013‑57 concerning snow removal

This by-law governs:

• snow removal on private properties (driveways, roofs, etc.);
• obligations applicable during municipal snow removal operations (public roads, sidewalks, etc.).

Residents and contractors are required to comply with these provisions when clearing snow from private property.

Snow disposal

Municipal regulations prohibit any person, whether a resident or a contractor, from disposing of snow originating from a private property by throwing, pushing or blowing it onto:

• asphalt roadways;
• public roads;
• neighbouring properties.

Snow removed from a property must be disposed of on that same property.

Responsibilities of contractors and residents

When a property owner hires a contractor to clear a driveway, the owner remains responsible for ensuring that the contractor respects all applicable regulations when clearing snow from their property.

Obligations of snow removal contractors

The obligations applicable to snow removal contractors are set out in Article 3 of By-Law No. 2013‑57 and include, in particular, the obligation to:

• hold an annual snow removal permit, valid from October 15 to April 15;
• display a valid sticker for the current winter season on the windshield of each vehicle used for private snow removal within the Town;
• mark snow removal areas with stakes, which may not be installed before November 1 and must be removed no later than April 15 of the following year. The stakes must be marked with the contractor’s company name and phone number.

Applying for a snow removal permit

A fee of $200 applies.

Winter parking

Overnight parking on public roads is prohibited between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., from November 15 to April 15. Parking may only be permitted when conditions allow, namely in the absence of snowfall and snow removal operations.

During this time period, residents are advised to consult the Snow Info section daily to determine whether overnight on street parking is permitted for the upcoming night. This section is updated daily before 4:00 p.m.

Snow pile‑up on corner lots

In accordance with Article 6 of By‑Law No. 2013‑57, any owner, occupant or person responsible for a property located at a street intersection must ensure that snow piled on the property does not impair drivers’ visibility at any time.

In the event of non‑compliance:

• the responsible person will be required to remove the snow within 24 hours following receipt of a notice from the Town
• failing this, the Town will carry out the required work at the expense of the responsible person

Snow forts and sliding near roadways

Building snow forts, tunnels or castles, as well as sliding near roadways, represents a significant danger for children.

During the winter season, motorists and operators of snow removal equipment have reduced visibility. In addition, snow blowers and heavy equipment may bury a person hidden within a snow pile without the operator realizing it.

Parents are strongly encouraged to have children play behind or beside the house, where their safety is not compromised.