Starting late next year, Mississauga plans to clear hard-packed snow and ice from residents’ driveways throughout the city during winter, following renewed discussions on the issue last week.

City councillors have agreed to move forward with a city-wide windrow-clearing program, pending budget discussions and final approval in 2025, aimed for implementation by winter 2025-26. Windrows refer to the piles of snow and ice left at the ends of driveways after street plowing.

If approved later this fall, Mississauga would join other Greater Toronto Area municipalities, like Toronto, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan, in offering this service to all residents.

For the upcoming winter, the City of Mississauga will continue its Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing Program for residents aged 65 and older and those with physical disabilities. Registration is open until November 1, and the program runs from November 22 until March 24, serving the first 750 approved applicants.

For more information, residents can call 311 or 905-615-4311 (outside city limits).

The windrow issue became particularly contentious during the winter of 2022-23, when severe storms left many residents unable to clear heavy snow and ice, leading to an increase in complaints. This frustration culminated in several incidents where residents confronted snow plow drivers.

In response, councillors discussed implementing a city-wide windrow-clearing program. A staff report in May 2023 indicated it would cost approximately $11.6 million annually to run such a service, prompting council to initially reject the proposal.

The matter was revisited last Wednesday when Ward 4 Councillor John Kovac tabled a motion for a city-wide windrow-clearing program for the 2025-26 winter season. Councillors expressed support for the initiative, contingent on financial feasibility.

Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Dasko emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility given the challenging budget landscape. City manager Geoff Wright stated that staff would update the cost estimates for the proposed service.

Ward 11 Councillor Brad Butt noted the pressing need for improved winter services, highlighting the feedback he received from residents at a recent meeting of the Mississauga chapter of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons. He criticized the current system of selectively clearing windrows and called for a comprehensive approach, acknowledging the financial implications but asserting that it is a necessary service for the community.

Butt also requested that city staff include cost comparisons with other municipalities that operate city-wide windrow programs in their updated report.