Calmar adopts new Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw

CALMAR -- The Town of Calmar has adopted its new Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw.

The new bylaw states that residents and business owners will have 72-hours to remove snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks following snowfall. This will apply to every occupant, and in case there is no occupant, then the owner of every house, shop, building, lot or parcel of land in the township.

Section 4 of the Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw states that residents will also be responsible for removing or sanding any ice, to the extent that walking is safe, that has formed or is deposited on sidewalks situated on land adjacent to that property as soon as practical. In addition, the bylaw outlines requirements that no person shall place snow, ice, or dirt from private property, such as driveways, parking lots, and service station lots, onto any public roads.

Under Section 6 of the bylaw, residents are not allowed to cause any damage to any sidewalks by striking, picking, or cutting with any shovel, pick, crowbar, or any other metal instrument. It also states that the use of chemicals causing a deterioration to the sidewalk surface, whether such person be engaged in removing snow, ice, or dirt from such sidewalk, is not allowed.

Two outcomes are likely for those who fail to comply with the new rules. Firstly, if the township is forced to clear a sidewalk because of non-compliance, then the home or business owner will likely incur the costs of the removal. The second scenario is that residents who fail to clear their sidewalks 72-hours following a snowfall could receive a fine from the Calmar CPO. 

Calmar's new Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw was officially passed on October 6, 2025.