Protect your sod from snow plows: Newmarket giving sidewalk markers to eligible residents

Residents encouraged to sign up for free set of sidewalk snow markers; markers to help increase visibility for the town’s operators when plowing sidewalks, reduce the potential damage to sod

Newmarkettoday.ca
Nov. 26, 2021

Newmarket residents and property owners are encouraged to participate in the Town of Newmarket’s Sidewalk Snow Marker pilot program this winter season by signing up to receive a free set of sidewalk snow markers (while quantities last). Use of the sidewalk snow markers will help increase visibility for the town’s operators when plowing sidewalks and reduce the potential damage to sod on your property.

How to sign-up to receive a set of sidewalk snow markers

• Visit newmarket.ca/snowmarkers
• Complete the form and input the necessary information related to your property. This will help the town determine how many sidewalk snow markers to provide you with.
• Pick a date and time to pick-up the sidewalk snow markers. (All pick-ups will take place at the Operations Centre - 1275 Maple Hill Court.)
• Head to the Operations Centre during the selected date and time and install the sidewalk snow markers using the step-by-step guide provided during pick-up.

Note: This program is only available for eligible Newmarket residents and property owners. Proof of address will be required to pick-up the sidewalk snow markers.

Why install sidewalk snow markers?
Sidewalk snow markers (a.k.a. snow stakes) are thin poles you insert into the ground to identify edges of your lawn that become covered by snow during the winter. These snow markers act as visual aids/guides for sidewalk snow plow operators when plowing the sidewalk in your neighbourhood. Having a visual aid will signal to the operator where the edge of your lawn is, ultimately helping to reduce damage to the sod that can be made by the sidewalk snow plow. Sidewalk snow markers will significantly help snow plow operators due to low visibility during inclement weather.

Where to install sidewalk snow markers?
The installation of the sidewalk snow markers depends on the layout of your property. Generally, residents can install these markers 8cm (3 inches) from the edge of the sidewalk and along your property (4.5m/15ft. apart) where a sidewalk snow plow could potentially damage your sod. It is recommended that residents install the sidewalk markers as soon as possible before the ground becomes frozen.

Property owners can also help further protect their property by edging their sod and ensuring landscape features are not hanging over the sidewalk. The Town recommends having landscape features set at least 18 inches back from the sidewalk edge. This distance creates a safety zone for pedestrians that may need to step off the sidewalk, as well as keeping the operator and your property safe.

For more information on sidewalk snow clearing in Newmarket visit newmarket.ca/sidewalksnowclearing. For a list of frequently asked questions related to snow clearing operations, please visit newmarket.ca/snowfaq.