Town of Hanover – Winter Tips Guide

Winter in Hanover brings unique challenges. Here are important reminders—plus some interesting facts—to keep our community safe, accessible, and environmentally responsible:

 

Winter Tips Image

1. Snow Removal & Parking 

  • Overnight Parking Ban: From December 1 to March 31, no parking on Town roads between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. (Parking By-law 3068-19).
  • Keep Roads Clear: Do not park in a way that interferes with snowplows or winter maintenance.

Fun Fact: A single snowplow can clear up to 25 km of road in one shift—but only if cars aren’t in the way!

  • Snow Disposal: Do NOT push snow onto sidewalks or roads—it’s unsafe and illegal. Fine: $200.
    Did You Know? Snow pushed onto roads can freeze into hard ridges, damaging plows and creating hazards for drivers.
  • Property Markers: Keep reflectors/markers on your property, not on the Town’s road allowance. 

2. Fire Hydrants – Why Clearing Matters

If a fire hydrant is located on or near your property, please clear snow from around it within 24 hours after snowfall. This simple action can save lives by ensuring firefighters have quick access during emergencies.

Did You Know?

  • Hanover’s Public Works team maintains over 100 hydrants throughout the Town.
  • A single hydrant can supply 1,000 gallons of water per minute—enough to fill a backyard pool in under 15 minutes!
  • In winter, crews also manage plowing, salting, and sidewalk clearing, so your help with hydrants allows them to focus on keeping roads and walkways safe.

Your cooperation helps emergency services respond faster and keeps our community safe!

3. Winter Road & Sidewalk Maintenance

  • Plowing Schedule: Starts when snow reaches 8 cm or after 7:00 a.m.; if snow continues, plowing resumes at 3:00 a.m. next day.
    Fun Fact: Hanover’s winter fleet includes 2 plow trucks, 1 loader, 1 grader, and 2 sidewalk plows—working hard to keep 50+ km of roads clear!
  • Salt & Sand: Applied at intersections during snowfall for safety.
    Did You Know? Salt lowers water’s freezing point, helping prevent ice buildup even at temperatures as low as -10°C.
  • Priority Routes: Main access roads, industrial areas, and school routes are cleared first.
  • Help Out: If possible, clear sidewalks in front of your home and assist neighbours who need help.
  • Safety Reminder: Snowbanks are dangerous—keep children away from roads and plows.  

4. Recycling & Waste Collection

  • Cart Placement:
  • Clear a flat spot at the end of your driveway.
  • Place carts on the right side of your driveway (facing the street).
  • Keep carts 2 ft (0.6 m) away from snowbanks, cars, fences, and other obstacles.
    Fun Fact: Automated collection arms need at least 2 ft of clearance to safely grab your cart!
  • Timing: Roll carts and take waste to the curb by 6:00 a.m. on collection day.
  • Cart Lid Closed: Prevent items from freezing or blowing away.
  • Storage: Keep carts in a dry area to avoid frozen materials.
    Did You Know? Wet paper and cardboard can freeze inside your cart, making it impossible to empty.
  • Responsibility: If carts are hit by snow equipment and spill, residents must clean up.   

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