The Town of Newmarket is once again accepting limited applications for its Residential Windrow Opening Pilot Program for the 2026/2027 season. This program is available to the first 100 eligible households. Applications will be accepted from October 8 to November 15, 2026, for this pilot initiative. Residents who applied and were accepted into last year’s program must apply again to qualify for this season.
“We are pleased to launch the windrow opening program for another season to assist those who have a physical limitation and/or a financial need.” says Mayor John Taylor. “Our goal is to balance the needs of those who need this service the most, while keeping taxes low. Continuing with the same program from last year will continue to provide us with valuable data and learning opportunities that may inform future potential changes to the program.”
This program will be open to:
- Seniors (65 years or older) who demonstrate a financial limitation
- A person with a disability who demonstrates a financial limitation
All applicants must confirm there are no able-bodied persons aged 18 or older in the dwelling capable of clearing snow.
How to apply?
To apply, residents must complete an application form and submit the following information:
- Seniors (65 years or older) who demonstrate a financial limitation
- Proof of age.
- The applicant or spouse of the applicant must provide proof they are eligible or in receipt of the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), pursuant to Part II of the Old Age Security Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. O-9 for the previous tax year.
- For individuals with a disability who demonstrate financial limitations
- Must provide documentation reflecting receipt of one of the benefits under:
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- Disability amounts under the Social Assistance Reform Act
- Must provide proof of income:
- Income of $23,000 or less for a single person
- Income of $40,000 or less for a family of two or more
- Must provide documentation reflecting receipt of one of the benefits under:
Details of the Residential Windrow Opening Pilot Program:
- The pilot program will run from November 15, 2026, to March 31, 2027, with a maximum of 100 approved applications on a first come, first serve basis.
- The service will be provided when plowing operations are initiated (when snow accumulation exceeds 6 cm). The Town and its contractor will aim to open the windrows as soon as plowing operations on primary and secondary roads are complete. This may take up to 24 hours under heavy snowfalls. Learn more about our snow clearing procedures a Newmarket.ca/SnowClearing.
- The Town’s service level is to clear approximately 75% of the windrow across each residential driveway opening.
- Residual snow will be placed on the driveway and boulevard.
- Sidewalk windrows are not included in this program.
- If the Town of Newmarket declares a significant weather event, the windrow opening program service may be delayed.
- Service may be impacted or delayed on waste and recycling collection days. Please remove bins from the curb once emptied.
- Please ensure vehicles are clear from the end of the driveway.
- Properties with curb-faced sidewalks or over-curb parking (e.g., Bondi Ave.) may not be serviced.
- The program does not include driveways on regional roads, commercial, industrial, institutional, high-rise, multi-residential, private roads, rear lanes, or roads under development.
- Qualified applicants must remove all obstructions from the end of their driveway, and their house number must be clearly visible.
- Applicants agree to a waiver of claims against the Town for any property damage or other issues arising from the service, as detailed in the application form.
The Town of Newmarket currently performs winter maintenance on locally owned municipal roads and all sidewalks. This equates to 644 lane km of roads (both sides) and 364 km of sidewalks. Snow plowing begins once snow accumulation has reached 6 cm. It can take up to 16 hours to clear all streets in Newmarket, and even longer if snow continues to fall.
To learn more about the Town’s snow clearing procedures, visit Newmarket.ca/SnowClearing.
To apply and learn more about the program, visit HeyNewmarket.ca/Windrows.