Our Grounds team maintains walkways, pathways, and sidewalks fronting University of Toronto properties on the St. George campus.

We are required by municipal bylaws to remove snow and ice from the public sidewalks around our properties within 12 hours of the end of a snowfall, freezing rain, or hail, and to keep them clear.

Snow and ice removal procedure 

Initially, a pathway of approximately 4 feet is cleared on walkways, stairways and approaches. Sidewalks and paths are cleared to a maximum width of 5 feet. Once this initial clearing is done, crews follow up and widen the paths. Typically, the snow on walkways and approaches is cleared by an additional foot or two in width. Depending on the site conditions, the sidewalks are cleared again, and stairways are cleared of an additional foot or two where conditions permit. 

In certain locations with multiple staircases, such as Sidney Smith Hall, a second set of stairs is cleared and opened for use. In all cases, staff clear a path adjacent to the handrail and clear an area wider than 4 feet for use, if possible.

Accessibility ramps are cleared completely and de-iced such that they can be used easily. Emergency exits are cleared to allow easy egress from the building in the event of an emergency.

Snow clearing priority areas

Snow is cleared in the following priority:

1. Sidewalks, pathways, and U of T roadways
2. Building entranceways, accessibility ramps, stairways, and approaches
3. Emergency exits

Snowfalls of more than 5 cm 

The grounds manager is notified by Campus Safety as early as possible (approximately 2 AM). Staff begin clearing snow as early as 5 AM. If there is considerably more than 5 cm of snow, staff are be called in earlier than 5 AM.

U of T community members can expect the snow to be cleared by 9 AM.

Snowfalls of 5 cm or less

In the event of a snowfall of 5 cm or less, all the above procedures apply, however, grounds staff will normally not come to campus early. All areas are cleared and de-iced prior to 9 AM.

De-icers

The two main de-icers used on campus are calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) and sodium chloride (rock salt). The Grounds team strives to minimize the use of salt for environmental reasons as well as to reduce corrosion and avoid tracking salt into buildings. However, when surfaces become slippery, a de-icer will be applied to all footpaths, walkways, and stairs.

Parking lots and internal roads 

U of T Transportation Services looks after snow and ice removal for parking lots and internal roads with paid parking. Call 416-978-PARK (7275) for service or visit the Transportation Services website.

Contact

If you notice a hazardous ground situation on campus, including slippery surfaces, please call 416-978-3000.