Making the Most of Winter in Don Valley North

With a bit of early snow already behind us and more on the way, I want to share a few reminders about the updated winter maintenance plan, from snow clearing to water pipe protection and more. I’ve also included some tips to help you stay safe and enjoy the season with your loved ones here in Don Valley North.

In my last Council Highlights, I walked through some of the major updates to this year’s winter maintenance plan, but one change is worth repeating: the new approach to 311.

You can now submit service requests at any point during a winter event. This helps the City identify issues earlier and respond more quickly. While we expect 311’s responsiveness to improve, please remember that my office is always your back-up. Hearing directly from Don Valley North residents during heavy snowfall helps us troubleshoot problems in real time and advocate for the fixes our neighbourhoods need.

So what can you expect when it snows?

When Roads are Salted & Plowed

The City follows clear service standards for when major roads, local streets, and laneways get salted and plowed. If those timelines aren’t being met, contact 311, and if the issue persists, let my office know. This handy chart shows the levels of service for salting and plowing on our city streets.

As part of the revamped winter maintenance plan, the City is using enhanced contractor monitoring, including GPS dashboards and real-time tracking tools. This means more reliable service, and more accurate information on tools like the PlowTO map. I encourage you to bookmark it so you can check, in real time, which roads and sidewalks near you have been plowed or salted and where winter maintenance vehicles are on their routes.

Sidewalks: When the City Clears Them, and When You Do

When snowfall is 2 cm or less, it’s up to residents and businesses to clear their sidewalks within 12 hours after the snow stops. Property owners are also responsible for clearing snow and ice from private driveways, parking spaces, steps, and landings to keep walkways safe for everyone.

A few important tips:

• Always shovel snow onto your own property, away from the road and sidewalk.

• Never push snow onto City streets, it’s unsafe and illegal.

• If you can do so safely, please clear nearby storm drains to help prevent flooding.

• When piling snow, make sure you’re not blocking sightlines for drivers entering the road.

• And please remember to clear around fire hydrants so firefighters have quick access in an emergency.
  

These small steps make a big difference in keeping our neighbourhood safe through the winter.

City crews begin clearing public sidewalks once snowfall reaches more than 2 cm and the snow has stopped, or earlier if icy conditions require it. It typically takes about 12 hours to complete a full round of sidewalk clearing, but during heavier storms, crews may need to make multiple passes. In some cases, clearing can continue for up to 72 hours after the snow ends to make sure all routes are safe and accessible.

If you're able, please be a good neighbour and help out seniors or people with disabilities who may need assistance clearing their sidewalks. If you’re a senior that needs assistance with snow clearing, you can reach out to Better Living Health and Community Services' Four Seasons Connection Program, which provides fee-based snow shovelling services to seniors, at 416-447-5074 or fourseasons@betterlivinghealth.org.

Lastly, I could use your help keeping an eye on the neighbourhood “cut-throughs”—those small pathways between streets or leading to school yards. Clearing these has been much better over the last year or two, but they’ve been a trouble spot in the past, and I continue to flag them with City staff. If you notice any of these pathways being missed this season, please reach out to my office so we can get them addressed quickly.

Prevent frozen pipes: Tips to keep your plumbing safe

Winter brings more than snow, those deep cold snaps can freeze the pipes in your home, cutting off your water or, worse, causing pipes to burst and leading to costly damage. There are a few simple steps that can make all the difference. Start by knowing where your main water shut-off valve is so you can act quickly if a pipe does burst. It also helps to insulate any pipes that are most exposed to cold air, such as those along exterior walls, in crawl spaces, attics, or garages. Foam pipe covers from any home improvement store work well.

Keeping cold air out of your home is just as important. Sealing gaps around windows, doors, wiring, vents, and pipes will help prevent freezing. Don’t forget outdoor faucets! These are usually the first to freeze. Disconnect your hoses, shut off the outdoor water supply, and let the tap drain fully.

To learn more about how to protect your pipes, or what to do if they’ve already frozen, the City has a helpful guide available here. If you can’t locate the frozen section or aren’t able to thaw it safely, a licensed plumber can provide support. You can also contact 311 or my office, and City staff will come to take a look. Please keep in mind that if crews determine the freeze is on private property (from the property line into the home), you’ll be advised to contact a plumber directly.

Winter Safety Tips

Winter weather brings cold temperatures, slick roads, and limited visibility, creating real safety challenges for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. If you’re out walking, please take a moment to be aware of your surroundings. Hoods, hats, and umbrellas help keep us warm and dry, but they can also limit your field of vision—so make eye contact with drivers and cyclists before crossing, wear bright or reflective clothing when visibility is low, and avoid texting while walking.

Drivers also need to take extra care. Plan ahead, give yourself more travel time, and always check road and weather conditions before heading out. Slowing down, leaving more space between vehicles, and ensuring your car is fully cleared of snow and ice all make a big difference. This is also the time of year to check your battery, lights, tires, washer fluid, and coolant, and to consider switching to snow tires for added traction. Keeping your gas tank at least half full and warming the car briefly before you get moving can also help prevent cold-weather issues.

A few small precautions can go a long way in keeping everyone safe through the winter months. Stay warm, stay alert, and look out for one another.

Check out the Winter Tenant Guide

For renters in our community, my office has put together a Winter Tenant Guide to help you stay safe, warm, and informed throughout the colder months. It outlines your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, offers practical tips for navigating winter conditions, and highlights simple ways we can all look out for our neighbours during this season. You can read the guide here.

Enjoying Winter in Don Valley North

While winter always brings its fair share of shovelling and chilly mornings, if you’re prepared and take a few simple precautions,  there are so many great activities to take advantage of right here in our neighbourhoods and across our city. Winter is one of the best times to get outside and enjoy everything our community has to offer. Ever wanted to learn to curl? Go birdwatching or play disc golf?

Here in Don Valley North, we’re lucky to have excellent places to skate and play all winter long. Our outdoor rinks at Van Horne Park and Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Park are now open, and our indoor rinks at Cummer Park, Oriole, and Pleasant View Community Centres are ready for families to enjoy.

You can also apply to create a community rink to enjoy with your neighbours. While Applications for 2025/2026 closed on October 17, 2025, applications are reviewed every year.

Whether you’re lacing up your skates, tobogganing, showshoeing or cross-country skiing, or discovering a new park close to home, I hope you’ll take advantage of all the ways to make the most of this season in our neighbourhood. Winter in Toronto can be wonderful, especially when we get outside together.

Winter Bash – Save the Date!

One of my favourite ways to celebrate winter in Don Valley North is at my annual Winter Bash! Consider this your official save the date for Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 12:00PM – 3:00PM at Ethennonnhawahstihnen' Park Skating rink.

We’ll have free skate rentals, hot chocolate, and plenty of fun activities for the whole family. More details will be coming in the new year, but for now, mark your calendars, I can’t wait to see you there!

This Holiday Season, Let’s Give Back

Lastly, the holidays are a time for community, gratitude, and giving back. Here in Don Valley North, we know this season can be challenging for many, which is why supporting those in need is more important than ever.

If you can, please consider supporting North York General Hospital, which is raising funds for its much-needed expansion, or the North York Harvest Food Bank, which is facing increased demand as it supplies dozens of local organizations and schools with food. Every contribution, big or small, helps strengthen our community and bring hope to those who need it most.

Let’s come together to make this holiday season brighter for everyone.