With winter ahead, parents may be interested in some of the following information about snow clearing around schools in Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB). Note that staff, contractors and the City of Hamilton share this responsibility. We urge all visitors to our schools to use caution when grounds may be slippery.

The City of Hamilton is responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks directly in front of schools. Clearing sidewalks in front of schools is a top priority for the City. It may take up to 24 hours after a snow event for the sidewalks to be cleared. To report a sidewalk fronting a school that needs to be cleared please call 905-546-CITY (2489).

HWDSB staff will clear, salt and/or sand walkways from the city sidewalk to the school; school steps and portable steps; walkways to the portables; ramps to schools and portables; an area outside of entrances and Fire Exit Doors; and Fire Exit stairs and ramps.

Facing more than 5 cm of snow, approved contractors will plow parking lots and sidewalks. Before schools starts, contracted staff will salt and sand the parking lot when HWDSB Facilities staff deem it necessary. If required, Head Caretakers may also salt or sand parts of the parking lot.

Note that playgrounds will not be ploughed or cleared. However, Head Caretakers will inspect playgrounds and will sand and/or salt isolated areas that have become slippery due to changing temperatures.

As always, we urge students to take extra caution when walking or playing on school property that may be slippery. Principals may decide, dependent on weather and playground conditions, to have indoor recess and lunch/nutrition breaks due to icy or extreme cold conditions.

Thank you