When snow clearing start?

Clearing operations are carried out simultaneously throughout the territory and cover all streets and sidewalks. The spreading of abrasive or sand is done depending on the location and weather conditions.

Less than 2.5 cm

Salt and gravel are used as soon as the roads and sidewalks become slippery.

More than 2.5 cm

Plowing starts as soon as there is 2.5 cm of snow on the ground. Sidewalks and streets are cleared in the following order of priority: 

1. main arteries, access to health establishments and schools, priority bus routes, etc. (Examples: 32nd Avenue, Saint-Joseph Boulevard, Saint-Jacques Street) 
2. collector streets, other bus routes, local commercial streets, etc.
3. residential streets. 

The application of abrasive, sand or flux mixture varies depending on conditions.

Bike paths

Several teams clear sidewalks and cycle paths with different vehicles. Snow removal from on-street cycle paths is done simultaneously with sidewalks and follows the same order of priority.

When snow loading start?

Snow loading as soon as there is 10 to 15 cm of snow on the ground. Watch for no parking notices.

How can I find out if there is a snow loading operation?

Snow loading operations will also be announced on the Borough’s website, Facebook page and Twitter account. You may also subscribe to the Alerts service to receive such notifications in your email box or by text message.

Why are no-parking signs in different colours in Lachine?

The yellow signs indicate no parking at night (7 p.m. – 7 a.m.) and the orange signs indicate no parking during the day (7 a.m. – 7 p.m.). These signs (Lexans) are hung on the poles. The signs posted in the snow banks also indicate no parking. Snow loading is carried out within 24 hours after these signs are installed.

Why is the snow still not picked up and the no-parking signs still posted even after the 12-hour no-parking period? 

While most of our crews manage to meet our deadlines, sometimes equipment breakdowns, more cars being towed or changes in weather conditions can delay our operations. These unforeseen situations disrupt our schedules. We ask that you obey the schedule indicated on the signs, as failure to do so actually adds to the time it takes to carry out snow removal operations.

Why is snow loading done at night in west Lachine? 

In certain areas located west of 32nd Avenue, snow loading can be done at night, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Other operations (spreading abrasives, clearing sidewalks and roads) are carried out at other times of the day.

This helps reduce heavy vehicle traffic during the day and provides better safety for pedestrians near schools. This measure improves access to Lachine station, because the streets where train users park are cleared of snow before the morning rush hour. Access to Highway 20 via 32nd and 55th Avenue is also clear for rush hours.

How to know when to move your vehicule?

The INFO-Neige MTL app (available on the App Store and Google Play) and the Snow removal map are regularly updated. They allow you to follow the progress of the loading.

At all times, the road signs indicating the parking rules during snow loading periods will take precedence over information posted on the website. We strongly suggest that you go to the street where your car is parked in order to check the signs there so you can avoid towing charges and a parking ticket.

Here are some tips for parking your car: Park your vehicle parallel to the sidewalk and 30 cm away from it to make it easier for the sidewalk snowplows to pass. Angle parking is prohibited. 

Can I use municipal parking lots to park my car? 

Don’t hesitate to use public parking facilities. They are free of charge during snow removal operations. Some municipal parking lots allow 48-hour parking. It is important to obey the signs in effect; otherwise you may be ticketed.

Was your vehicle towed during a snow removal operation? Find it using the Info-remorquage online service or by contacting 311.

Find a towed car

What should I do if I took my bin out in time for collection, but the truck didn’t come?

We recommend that you leave your bin until the next day, since the trucks may be late, particularly due to snow removal. Moreover, it is important to place your garbage bags or bins on your property, without obstructing the sidewalk. If possible, take back your empty bins as soon as possible so as not to obstruct the snowcats.

Only take out your bins if necessary when there is a load of snow on your street. If your bags or bins have not been picked up the next day, please contact us by telephone at 311, by email or online.

What are the support measures for the elderly? 

A snow removal assistance service is offered free of charge by the Beigade neige (Snow Brigade) in the Duff-Court and eastern Lachine neighborhoods. People aged 70 and over living with a limitation or people with reduced mobility can receive this service. 

To register, contact Carrefour jeunesse emploi de Lachine. The number of places is limited.

What should I do if my neighbor’s private snow plow pushes snow into the street, cutting off parking spaces?

It is illegal to dump snow from private property (driveway, parking area, etc.) onto the sidewalk, street or even alley. To avoid a fine, citizens must deposit snow on their property. 

On the other hand, the borough tolerates, when there is no other possibility, that snow coming from pedestrian entrances and driveways is deposited in the street before loading.

If you see a private snow plow sending snow from a parking lot or driveway onto the street, notify us by telephone by dialing 311, by email or online.

In the fall, we meet with entrepreneurs to make them aware of the regulations. If necessary, other meetings can be held during the winter.