Snow clearing will be prioritized by categories of use, not by geographic area. Service levels across different areas of the community will change in order to meet the City's new Prioritization Framework:

• Snow clearing will be prioritized by categories of use. For example, primary emergency service routes are prioritized ahead of recreation facilities.
• Driving lanes on all roads will be cleared on day one after a snowfall.
• On-street parking will be cleared beginning on day two after a snowfall. Driveway windrows will be cleared at that time.
• Residential street clearing will begin on day two after a snowfall.
• The number of sidewalks cleared will increase, and designated sidewalks will be cleared on day one after a snowfall.
• The City will no longer centre plow any areas outside the downtown core.
• Access to critical City infrastructure, like water facilities and fire hydrants, will be cleared sooner.
• Weekend snow clearing services will be reduced while still ensuring safe access for emergency purposes, business areas, key infrastructure, and major roadways.

One of the major changes to the proposed new policy is increasing the priority of snow clearing on all designated sidewalks to improve active transportation options in the winter months.

Commuter pathways will be cleared and maintained throughout the winter to offer another viable option for those wishing to commute by means other than driving.

Windrow Program. The City is not proposing any changes to the windrow program. However, driveway windrows will not be cleared until parking lanes are cleared (beginning Day 2). Why? Small windrows do not generally impede passage - but when parking lanes are cleared, the associated windrows must also be cleared to ensure adequate mobility.