Hamilton Winter Cleanup: How Neighbours Can Help Keep Our Streets Safe & Clean

Hamilton’s first snowfall is just around the corner! As temperatures drop and the snow starts to fly, now’s the perfect time for neighbours, businesses, and community groups to pull together and keep Barton Village—and the rest of our city—looking its best. Winter can sometimes feel like a season for staying indoors, but it’s when our streets need us most.

King Street West, Westdale, Hamilton. Photo by Frank Hilzerman (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

One of the biggest ways neighbours can make a difference is by shoveling sidewalks and keeping them de-iced. Clearing snow promptly not only keeps walkways safe for everyone—especially kids, seniors, and people with mobility challenges—it also helps our city run smoother. If you’re able, consider lending a hand to neighbours who can’t shovel themselves. Small acts of kindness like this are what make Hamilton feel like home.

Another often overlooked winter chore is clearing storm drains of snow and debris. When drains are blocked, snowmelt has nowhere to go, leading to icy patches, flooding, and hazardous sidewalks. By making sure drains and catch basins on your street are unclogged and visible, you’re taking real action to keep your block safer for everyone.

Don’t forget about litter! It may be tempting to wait until spring, but loose trash buried beneath snow just reappears when everything melts. Bagging up litter before a storm keeps our neighbourhood looking tidy all season long.

And while the cold doesn’t stop graffiti or illegal dumping, tackling it quickly makes a difference. If you spot new tagging or dumped items, report them right away so issues can be addressed before they grow.

Finally, winter is the perfect time to look out for each other. Whether you’re helping clear ice with a neighbour, organizing a group cleanup, or just checking in on someone up the street, every action counts.

Let’s keep Hamilton beautiful and safe this winter—one block at a time! If you’ve got a winter cleanup tip or want to join our next event, drop a comment or reach out. Together, we make a difference.