Annual Winter Test Runs Begin for City and Contractor Crews

From November 16 to 20, 2026, more than 50 City and contractor snowplows, graders, sidewalk plows and other winter maintenance equipment will be out on Greater Sudbury streets completing training exercises to familiarize themselves with routes. These test runs allow crews to identify potential hazards, obstacles and operational challenges before the winter weather arrives to ensure effective and timely snow removal throughout the winter months.

This training takes place at the same time every year to align with the beginning of external contracts for winter maintenance activities.

In 2024, the City launched a snowplow tracking map to keep residents informed about snow-clearing operations. To access the map and view updated maintenance timeframes for local roads and sidewalks, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/plowmap.

The City’s winter control plan is based on Council-approved service levels and includes details on snow plowing standards, sidewalks, snow removal and technology used for winter control. Information on winter operations, including a chart outlining when crews are deployed, details of the overnight parking ban and plow standards for main and secondary roads, can be found at www.greatersudbury.ca/winter and www.greatersudbury.ca/overnightparking.

Residents are reminded to remove portable basketball nets and hockey nets from the road and shoulder during the winter months to allow snowplows and salt/sand trucks a clear path. Please also ensure garbage cans, recycling boxes and green carts are placed at the end of the driveway and not on the sidewalk. Items left on sidewalks or in the roadway can create obstacles for plows and make it difficult for crews to properly clear snow.