Private Property Vehicle Removal During Snow Season: A GTA Property Manager’s Guide

Before arranging vehicle removal for snow clearing, confirm the applicable municipal process, establish who can authorize the move and coordinate a safe access plan with the towing and snow-clearing providers. A resident moving their own car, an owner-authorized relocation and enforcement removal are different situations.

For GTA condominium, apartment and commercial property managers, the most useful preparation happens before the plow arrives. Clear instructions, suitable alternative parking and a documented escalation process can help prevent a routine snow-clearing visit from becoming a parking dispute.

Does Snow Clearing Automatically Authorize A Tow?

Do not treat a snow-clearing notice as sufficient authorization on its own.

Ontario’s towing guidance generally requires the vehicle owner’s consent unless the tow is initiated by police or an authorized official. Municipal requirements also need to be checked for the property and circumstances. A manager’s authority over a parking lot does not replace the applicable towing process. Ontario’s towing-rights guidance explains the consent framework.

Start by identifying the actual problem:

• Cooperative relocation: A resident or customer can move their vehicle to an approved space.
• An authorized vehicle that cannot move: Its owner may need assistance and can discuss the appropriate service.
• A suspected parking violation: Confirm the local enforcement procedure before arranging removal.

These distinctions matter when an otherwise permitted vehicle remains in an area scheduled for plowing. Verify the parking conditions and required process rather than assuming every vehicle left behind can be towed.

What Should Property Managers Prepare Before Winter?

Create a simple winter parking plan with your snow-clearing contractor and property representatives.

Mark the entrances, driving aisles, accessible spaces, pedestrian routes and areas needed for snow storage. Identify where vehicles can temporarily park without blocking another essential part of the property.

Give responsibility to a named manager and a backup contact. They should know who can request enforcement, where the relevant authorization is kept and who will communicate with residents.

Before the first major snowfall:

1. Review the property’s parking rules and applicable agreements.
2. Check whether enforcement authorization and site approvals remain current.
3. Inspect signs for damage, visibility and snow obstruction.
4. Confirm the snow contractor’s proposed clearing sequence.
5. Prepare a relocation notice and a contact method for drivers who need help.

Norman’s parking enforcement services can be discussed as part of an ongoing property parking plan. Confirm the scope and local requirements for your site.

What Should A Snow-Clearing Notice Include?

A useful notice tells drivers exactly what action to take.

Include the affected spaces or parking rows, the planned clearing window, the approved alternative location and the management contact. Explain when drivers can return and how they will receive updates if the work changes.

Use the communication channels appropriate to your property, such as building email, a resident portal and entrance notices. Make instructions easy to understand and keep a record of when they were issued.

Avoid promising immediate towing or quoting a universal notice period. Communication with residents and the legal conditions for enforcement are separate matters.

For someone who cannot move a vehicle because of a mechanical problem or an accessibility need, provide a way to contact management before the clearing window. That gives everyone an opportunity to discuss a workable arrangement.

Which Local Rules Need To Be Checked?

There is no single private-property removal procedure for the entire GTA.

Toronto: Municipal Code Chapter 915 sets conditions for removal without the vehicle owner’s consent. These include enforcement documentation, a tow card, applicable waiting periods and signage requirements. The chapter also contains exceptions. Have the responsible enforcement authority confirm the route that applies; a plowing appointment should not be treated as an exception by itself. Read Chapter 915. Toronto Police’s Parking Enforcement Unit addresses public and private parking concerns.

Mississauga: The City’s published private-property enforcement process requires owner authorization, supporting documentation and a property inspection. Staff check the parking signs before enforcement begins. Complete that preparation before a storm creates an urgent access problem. Review Mississauga’s process.

Richmond Hill: Chapter 1116 provides for police or a municipal bylaw enforcement officer to arrange removal of a vehicle parked contrary to the chapter following a written complaint from an owner or occupant of non-municipal property. Confirm the requirements with the City for the particular situation. See section 1116.5.4.

Check the relevant municipality separately for properties elsewhere in the GTA.

Can Drivers Use The Street While The Lot Is Cleared?

Check before suggesting it.

Public-road parking restrictions are separate from the rules governing a private lot. York Region’s Regional-road parking bylaw includes restrictions concerning interference with winter operations, with provisions that vary by municipality. Local streets also require their own checks. Review the Regional-road bylaw and its listed amendments.

Do not direct residents onto a nearby street simply because spaces appear available. Confirm signs, winter restrictions and any permit conditions first. Avoid redirecting vehicles into fire routes, accessible access aisles or another property’s parking.

What Should Happen When A Vehicle Remains?

Check the vehicle against the current parking and relocation records. Confirm its precise position, whether the driver has contacted management and what access it is preventing.

Photograph the situation from a safe position. Record the time, relevant signs and the reason further action is being considered. Keep the description factual.

Then follow the applicable authorization and enforcement process. Explain the circumstances accurately to the responsible authority and towing provider.

Do not ask maintenance staff or a plow operator to push, drag or improvise a move. Keep people clear of working machinery. If there is immediate danger or an emergency response is needed, call 911.

What Does The Towing Provider Need To Know?

Provide enough information for the provider to assess both the request and physical access:

• Property address, correct entrance and exact vehicle position.
• Your name, role and authority to act.
• Applicable enforcement instructions and documentation.
• Vehicle make, model and year, where known.
• Whether keys are available and whether the vehicle can roll or steer.
• Snow depth, ice, slopes, tight turns and garage clearance.
• The proposed destination and contact person.

Ask the snow-clearing contractor to identify hidden curbs, landscaping and other obstacles. Let the towing provider assess the equipment and access needed before coordinating the work.

A plan for private property towing should address authorization and safe vehicle handling together.

Which Records Should Be Kept After Removal?

Maintain a clear file connecting the parking issue, authorization and completed movement.

Keep the notices, photographs, relevant complaint or enforcement reference, towing documentation, destination and collection contact. Record any changes to the plan.

Confirm who will answer a driver asking where their vehicle has gone. Give factual collection information promptly and direct disputes to the appropriate review process.

For a wider records checklist, see Norman’s guide to Ontario private property towing questions and records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a windshield notice enough to permit towing?

Do not assume so. A reminder can communicate a clearing plan, but it does not replace required consent, enforcement documentation, signage or other applicable conditions.

Can we move a vehicle elsewhere within the same lot?

Do not assume that staying on the property removes authorization requirements. Confirm the permitted process and destination before arranging any movement.

What if an authorized resident’s car will not start?

Contact the resident and discuss assistance or an alternative clearing arrangement. A mechanical problem does not, by itself, establish a parking violation or authorize removal.

Who pays for a snow-clearing relocation?

Confirm responsibility before work begins. It depends on the service arrangement, applicable rules and circumstances. Do not promise that every charge can automatically be passed to the vehicle owner.

Discuss Your Winter Property Plan With Norman Towing

Contact Norman Towing at (647) 244-1129 with the property address, parking situation and any enforcement instructions already received.

The team can discuss authorization, access, suitable equipment, availability and pricing for your property. Preparing those details before the next snowfall makes the request clearer for everyone involved.