Norfolk County reminds residents of winter weather processes, guidelines and by-laws

With a weekend of wintery weather in the forecast, Norfolk County would like to remind residents about snow clearing, winter parking, and staying informed. 

Road Plowing 

All municipalities, including Norfolk County, must adhere to Minimum Maintenance Standards (MMS) under The Municipal Act. According to this standard, all roads are classified based on a number of criteria, such as traffic volume of traffic and speed limits. The MMS ensures that roads are cleared in a priority order.  

Following the MMS, Norfolk County’s snowplow team clears roads in the following order: 

• Class 2 and 3 roads (primary) 
• Class 4 roads (rural/concession) 
• Class 5 and 6 roads (subdivisions and low volume) 

Main thoroughfares have a faster response time compared to subdivisions, cul-de-sacs or dead ends. Snow accumulation impacts response time, and plows will return as needed. 

Some roads and sections of roads in Norfolk County are maintained by the province, including Highway 24 and sections of Highway 3.  

Drivers should adjust their driving according to the road conditions. Always give plows space to clear roads safely. 

Winter parking 

Norfolk County’s Parking By-Law requires vehicles to be removed from roads during and after winter storms. This allows plows and sanders to clear roads safely.  

Vehicles parked on roads during winter weather may be ticketed and/or towed at the owner’s expense, regardless of snowfall volume. 

Windrows 

The piles of snow left at the end of a driveway after road plowing are called windrows. Property owners or occupants are responsible for clearing windrows. Norfolk County does not provide windrow removal. 

Sidewalks 

Norfolk County’s Snow and Ice Removal By-Law requires property owners or occupants to clear sidewalks adjacent to their property by noon following a snowfall. Failing to do so may result in a charge under the by-law. 

Trails and pathways 

Trails and pathways are not maintained in winter. Use is at personal risk, as ice and snow buildup may create hazardous conditions. 

Significant weather events 

A significant weather event may be declared when the forecast or conditions pose a significant danger on roads maintained by Norfolk County. During a significant event, it may take longer than usual to complete necessary winter maintenance activities and return roadways and sidewalks to a safe and usable condition. 

When a significant weather event is declared, Norfolk will: 

• Update norfolkCounty.ca 
• Issue a media release to local media  
• Post on Facebook, Instagram  and  X (formerly Twitter) social media accounts   

Residents can also subscribe to receive Norfolk County news by email. 

Local forecast and weather alerts 

Residents can visit Environment and Climate Change Canada for local forecasts and weather alerts or download the WeatherCAN mobile app for notifications. 

For more information and winter resources, visit NorfolkCounty.ca/Winter.