Find out how a snow removal operation works in Brossard

Winter in Brossard brings its share of challenges, and snow removal operations play an essential role in keeping our roads safe and moving smoothly. But how does the city go about clearing the snow from its streets? Go behind the scenes of Brossard’s structured snow removal plan!

The stages of a snow clearing operation

Here’s how a complete operation works, from the first flake to the deposit of used snow.

1. Spreading

🧂 Approximate time: 5 h
As soon as snow accumulates, crews spread abrasives (stone), ice melters (salt) or a mixture of both.

Work begins on main arteries and boulevards (N1), then continues on collector streets (N2).

On average, over 8,000 tonnes of salt and abrasives are used every winter to ensure safe travel.

2. Clearing

🚜 Approximate time: 5 h
The ploughs push the snow to the sides of the streets to clear the roadway and keep traffic flowing.

Street clearing

• Triggered as soon as 5 cm of snow is on the ground.
• Continues until the end of precipitation.

Sidewalk clearing

• Triggered from 3 cm of snow on the ground.
• Ensures safe routes for pedestrians.

Clearing bicycle paths and footpaths

• Triggered from 3 cm of snow on the ground.
• Since 2016, these lanes have been maintained even in winter to encourage active mobility.

3. Signalization

🚧 Before the big loading stage, removable signs are put up along the streets.
They announce a parking ban between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m., until the snow has been completely removed.

Remember to check whether a temporary sign has been installed before parking your vehicle!

4. Loading

🚛 Average duration: 28 h (2 nights of 14 h)
The accumulated snow is loaded onto trucks and transported to a used snow disposal site.
This stage is usually carried out after less than 20 cm of snow has fallen, and requires several passes.

Total operating time (approximate)

Why do some operations take longer?

⏱️ Several factors can influence the duration of an operation:

• The duration of the storm: when operations last more than 12 hours, a rest period is mandatory for crews, to ensure their safety and compliance with labor standards.
• The number of cars parked on the streets;
• The amount of snow received;
• Mechanical breakdown of equipment;
• Etc.

The first targets: major arteries

As soon as a snow accumulation reaches 5 cm or more, snow removal crews go into action. Priority is given to boulevards and main arteries, the roads that carry the most traffic. These essential roads quickly connect residential areas with shops, services, schools and hospitals.

Why start here?

These are the arteries most used by motorists and emergency services. Their rapid snow removal ensures safe access to the whole city, even in stormy weather.

Neighborhood streets take over

Once the main arteries have been cleared, crews concentrate on the collector streets. These lanes serve as a transition between residential areas and the main boulevards. They are essential for facilitating movement within the sectors and for getting residents to the main roads.

Precise, methodical work:

Clearing snow from collector streets requires special attention, as these areas often include busy intersections and access to community services such as schools or parks.

Residential streets: the finishing touch

Finally, snow clearing ends on residential streets. These small lanes serve homes directly and are plowed last to maximize resource efficiency.

Eco-winter streets

Several years ago, the city adopted the principle of eco-winter streets for residential streets. This principle aims to reduce the ecological footprint left by snow removal operations. However, it is possible to launch a snow clearing operation on an eco-winter street when there is a weather cocktail that includes these main factors:

• Solid precipitation (snow accumulation);
• Liquid precipitation (rapid accumulation of water);
• Softer climatic conditions (water accumulation);
• Drastic drop in temperature;
• Degradation of the pavement.

An exceptional spreading of flux will then be carried out to ensure the safety of users.

Why wait for residential streets?

These streets are generally less busy, and clearing them after the main arteries and collector streets allows us to prioritize safety on high-traffic routes. But don’t worry: they also receive the attention they need to ensure safe travel from home.

An organized process for each storm

Snow removal in Brossard is a complex and meticulously planned exercise. Here is an overview of the process in the event of heavy snowfall:

1. The teams assess the build-up and the weather;
2. Priority is given to clearing snow from boulevards and main arteries;
3. Collector streets follow, then residential streets;
4. At the same time, de-icing and sanding operations are carried out if necessary.

It is important to remember that snow clearing operations follow a clear order of priority. Calling to report an accumulation of snow on your street won’t speed up its removal. This structured plan ensures rapid, effective intervention where it’s needed most.

A few tips to make snow removal easier

• Follow these rules to ensure safe and efficient snow removal:
  • Clear the swath of snow from your driveway without pushing it back onto the street;
  • Follow the regulations when installing your carport;
  • Maintain a safe distance between you and snow removal vehicles;
  • Make sure no children or pets are within 3 metres of the street, including the construction of forts, tunnels or other structures, during snow removal operations (clearing, widening, blowing or loading);
  • Do not place snow on a hydrant;
  • Prune your trees, shrubs and hedges that encroach on the public highway (sidewalk and roadway) or obscure road signs;
  • Protect your fences, shrubs, etc. in preparation for the snow that will blow onto your property;
  • Do not dump snow on the street, curb or sidewalk during residential snow removal;
  • Don’t put garbage or recycling bins in the street or on the sidewalk.
• Respect winter parking bans: they enable crews to work faster and clear snow more efficiently.
• Check snow removal schedules: they’ll help you plan your travel during a storm.

Snow removal in Brossard relies on a rigorous organization to ensure the safety and smooth flow of traffic. The cooperation of all citizens is essential to the success of these operations. No matter what Mother Nature throws at us, Brossard is ready to face any eventuality!