The Town of Whitby Council is looking into potential changes to its snow clearing program for seniors to make the service more accessible. In March 2026, Council directed town staff to study the feasibility of removing the registration deadline for the free service.
Currently, the program is available at no cost to seniors over the age of 65 and individuals with disabilities who live in homes without an able-bodied person under 65. The service clears the ridge of snow left by plows, known as a windrow, as well as public sidewalks adjacent to the property. These services are provided once snowfall reaches 10 centimetres for windrows or 5 centimetres for sidewalks, with work typically completed within 36 hours after the snow stops falling.
Registration for the program has traditionally closed in late fall to allow for planning. For the 2025-26 winter season, the final day to sign up was October 31, 2025. This cutoff often leaves residents who become eligible or move into the area after the deadline without access to the service until the following year.
Town staff have been tasked with reviewing how the registration deadline is communicated to the public. The upcoming report will also outline the financial and operational impacts that may arise if the town decides to allow for year-round registration.
