Toronto Sidewalk Snow Bylaw 543-2017: The Complete Homeowner Guide

Toronto Bylaw 543-2017 requires property owners to clear public sidewalks adjacent to their property within 12 hours of snowfall or freezing rain ending. Fines start at $125 for a first offence and escalate to $500+ for repeat violations. The City can also clear your sidewalk and bill you.

The 12-Hour Rule — What It Covers

• All public sidewalks directly adjacent to your property
• Applies to snow, slush, and ice from freezing rain
• The 12-hour clock starts when precipitation officially stops (not when you wake up)
• Applies 24 hours/day, 7 days/week — including overnight storms

Fine Structure

• First offence: $125
• Second offence (same season): $250
• Third+ offence: $500+
• City clearance bill: $200–$800 plus administrative fee

Slip-and-Fall Liability

Beyond city fines, homeowners whose unshoveled sidewalks cause injuries can face civil liability. Ontario courts have awarded damages against property owners who failed to comply with bylaw-required clearing.

How a Seasonal Contract Protects You

A professional seasonal snow removal contract includes city sidewalk clearing as part of every visit — automatically dispatched at the 2 cm trigger, typically well within the 12-hour window. See service areas: North York, Markham, Scarborough.

Toronto Sidewalk Snow Bylaw 543-2017: The Complete Homeowner Guide

Toronto Bylaw 543-2017 requires property owners to clear public sidewalks adjacent to their property within 12 hours of snowfall or freezing rain ending. Fines start at $125 for a first offence and escalate to $500+ for repeat violations. The City can also clear your sidewalk and bill you.

The 12-Hour Rule — What It Covers

• All public sidewalks directly adjacent to your property
• Applies to snow, slush, and ice from freezing rain
• The 12-hour clock starts when precipitation officially stops (not when you wake up)
• Applies 24 hours/day, 7 days/week — including overnight storms

Fine Structure

• First offence: $125
• Second offence (same season): $250
• Third+ offence: $500+
• City clearance bill: $200–$800 plus administrative fee

Slip-and-Fall Liability

Beyond city fines, homeowners whose unshoveled sidewalks cause injuries can face civil liability. Ontario courts have awarded damages against property owners who failed to comply with bylaw-required clearing.

How a Seasonal Contract Protects You

A professional seasonal snow removal contract includes city sidewalk clearing as part of every visit — automatically dispatched at the 2 cm trigger, typically well within the 12-hour window. See service areas: North York, Markham, Scarborough.