During a major storm, the priority is to quickly make streets and sidewalks passable by pushing snow to the sides. During heavy snowfalls with high winds (blizzards), plows must clear the same areas several times. Snow removal usually starts the day after the storm.

Certain areas are cleared first:

• Fire stations
• Police stations
• Emergency communication centres such as 911 and 311
• Hospitals
• Drinking water treatment plants
• Main bridges and tunnels

Snow removal operations map

• If it is possible and safe to do so, place your bins on the side of the side of the street where snow was removed to help with collections.
• If a snow loading operation is in progress on your street, keep your bins on your property.
• If the collection truck did not pass by your home or did not empty your bin (bins should be clear of snow and clearly visible), bring the bin back near your home until the next collection date.

In cases where conditions are still difficult in certain sectors, trucks may not be able to pass by your address as scheduled. If your bin was not emptied, please refrain from calling 311. Crews are doing their best to adapt to the situation in every area. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

• Clear snow from your entrance, all emergency exits, windows and balconies all the way up to the street. To find out more about risks, see this article (in French) by the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal.
• Make sure your address is visible from the street.
• Stay in touch with your loved ones and check in on people around you, especially the most vulnerable (such as an elderly neighbour).
• Clear the snow from your rooftop and vehicle.

• Roofs, even those designed to withstand the weight of snow, are currently under unusual pressure due to significant snow accumulation. This is particularly the case with the rainfall increasing snow density during warmer days.
• Warning signs such as cracks along walls, doors that become stuck, odd cracking sounds or even deformed ceilings should prompt you to take immediate action.
• Also remember to remove ice and icicles that form on the ledges of your buildings and may pose significant threats to pedestrians and vehicles alike.

The Régie du bâtiment du Québec strongly recommends that you hire specialized snow removal companies for the job. They have adapted equipment and tested methods to preserve the integrity of your roof’s waterproofing membrane.

To help with snow removal and travel safely:

• Choose to work from home if it is possible.
• Opt for public transportation to get around easily.

If you need to drive:

• Reduce your speed so that you see pedestrians who must walk on the roadway until sidewalks are cleared.
• Opt for main streets when possible, because they are usually cleared first.
• Be vigilant: roads can still be slippery. Know how to react in slippery conditions (in French).