Waterloo region is known for its strict snow removal and ice clearing bylaws that apply across areas like Kitchener and Cambridge. Every property owner — whether they’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner — is responsible for keeping sidewalks, roofs, and entrances safe and clear. Non-compliance could put you at risk of fines.
If you live within Waterloo region, it’s important to stay informed and up to date about current snow removal and ice clearing bylaws. This article will cover everything homeowners and business owners need to know about snow removal bylaws in Waterloo.
Overview of Waterloo Region Snow and Ice Bylaws
According to the official Waterloo Region website, property owners (homeowners, business owners, landlords) are responsible for:
- Removing or seeing to the removal of accumulated snow and ice from sidewalks immediately adjacent to the property. The snow and ice must be removed within 24 hours.
- Removing or seeing to the removal of accumulated snow and ice on all roofs on the property that slope directly onto a highway. The snow must be removed from all applicable roofs within 24 hours.
In the process of removing snow, the property owner cannot:
- Place snow and ice on the highway.
- Remove snow and ice in a manner that can damage a highway.
- Park overnight on city streets during Waterloo’s winter season (December 1st to March 31st), unless the person has an exception.
All of the above snow removal rules apply to Kitchener and Cambridge, as well as any city that falls within the Waterloo municipalities.
Overnight Parking Exemption
Between December 1 and March 31, overnight street parking in Waterloo is restricted to allow snowplows to clear roads safely and efficiently. If you need to park overnight on the street during this period, you must request a parking exemption*.
To avoid a parking ticket, you should apply for an exemption in advance.
*Please note that an overnight winter parking exemption is only needed if you plan to use public parking between the hours of 2:30am-6:00am
What Happens If You Don’t Comply with Waterloo Snow Removal Bylaws
Waterloo’s snow removal bylaws are enforceable by municipal law enforcement, failure to comply could result in legal trouble for the property owner.
If a person is suspected to have failed to clear snow and ice as outlined in Waterloo bylaw, they will be tried and, if convicted, face fines.
The fines for failing to comply with Waterloo snow removal bylaws is as follows:
- A fine between $250 and $10,000 on first conviction.
- A fine of up to $10,000 for each day the violation continues after your first conviction.
How to Stay Compliant as a Home Owner or Business Owner
The easiest way to stay compliant and avoid fines is to hire a professional snow removal service in Waterloo. Companies like Quality Care understand local bylaws and provide consistent care to accommodate it.
At Quality Care, we offer comprehensive snow and ice removal services that protect your property from winter damage and bylaw violations. For years, residential and commercial property owners have relied on us for consistent, high-quality snow removal services in Waterloo region.
Our professional snow removal services are great for:
- Residential and commercial property owners who don’t have the time to remove snow themselves.
- Homeowners with large residential property space and high snow maintenance demands.
- Business owners who need to ensure their entrances, parking lots, and walkways remain safe and accessible for customers and employees.
- Seniors or people with mobility issues who can’t clear snow and ice themselves.
- Property managers overseeing multiple sites who require reliable, timely snow and ice maintenance.
- Landlords who are responsible for snow and ice removal on rental properties.
We don’t just ensure you meet Waterloo’s municipal snow removal demands — we are dedicated to making your property safe, accessible, and well-kept, no matter when the storm happens.
Protect Your Property with Quality Care’s Around-the-Clock Snow Plowing Services — Get a Free Estimate Today!