Winter Operations

CBRM maintain all streets in the former towns of Glace Bay, New Waterford, Dominion, Louisbourg, North Sydney, Sydney Mines and the City of Sydney, as well as designated unlisted roads in the former County of Cape Breton (approximately 1,000 lane kilometres). CBRM also maintain about 310 kilometres of sidewalks across the region.

The Nova Scotia Department of Public Works maintains most streets and roads in the former County of Cape Breton, except those designated for CBRM maintenance.

The intensity and duration of a storm determine when plows are dispatched. Plowing usually begins before a storm ends to improve efficiency.

Priority routes (collectors and emergency access routes) are plowed first, followed by residential streets once conditions allow.

The municipality is divided into plow routes, each assigned to a snowplow. If a plow breaks down, other plows provide mutual aid as they become available.

In dangerous weather, plowing may be temporarily suspended until conditions improve.

Crews work as quickly and safely as possible, but timing depends on storm severity and road conditions.

Heavy, wet snow, drifting or storms during the daytime can delay snow clearing. Daytime traffic slows plow operations compared to overnight storms when roads are clear.

Every effort will be made to respond to medical and fire emergencies.

All medical and fire emergencies are handled through the 911 system, which can dispatch plows if needed.

Unfortunately, plow routes cannot be changed to accommodate personal appointments or requests.

On average, the municipality receives around 300 cm (10 ft) of snow each winter.

In heavier years, totals can reach up to 600 cm (20 ft), with single storms sometimes exceeding 60 cm (24 in).

Plows are designed to discharge snow to the right-hand side of the road for safety and traffic flow.

Unfortunately, this means snow will sometimes be pushed into driveways. Operators try to minimize this whenever possible.

Corner lots naturally receive more snow buildup due to how plows turn and discharge snow.

Positioning your driveway and walkway away from the intersection can help reduce this effect.

Minor damage can happen due to limited visibility and winter conditions. If your property is damaged:

• Report it to 311 or chat with 311 online or your local Public Works office with your name and address.
• Repairs are made in the spring, depending on the weather and priority.

Please note: CBRM does not repair or replace private items (e.g., garbage containers, shrubs, fences or mailboxes) located within the street right-of-way.

CBRM clears only designated sidewalks in areas near schools, hospitals and commercial districts.

Sidewalks are plowed with snow blades or blower attachments, depending on snow depth.

Not all sidewalks can be plowed to bare pavement due to weather and equipment limitations.

No. Shovelling or plowing snow from your property onto public streets or sidewalks is dangerous and against municipal by-laws.

De-icing with salt or sand is managed carefully due to cost and environmental impact.

• Class 1 streets (main routes) are treated first.
• Salt may be applied early in a storm to create salt brine (anti-icing) and prevent snow from bonding to the road.
• When temperatures are too cold for salt, sand is used instead.

Winter parking regulations are in effect December 15 - March 31. Please keep your vehicle off the street between 1-6 a.m., during a snowfall and for two hours after snow stops falling.

Vehicles that block snow clearing may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

Place bags and bins well back from the curb or edge of your driveway to prevent them from being buried or damaged by plows.

Yes. CBRM experiences microclimates due to proximity to the ocean. Some areas may have drifting and whiteouts, while others have clear skies. Frequent freeze-thaw cycles also affect road conditions and maintenance timing.