How Markham Residents Can Stay Safe and Prepared During Major Snowstorms

Major snowstorms are part of winter living in Markham, Ontario, but with the right preparation and a clear understanding of how the city responds, residents can stay safe, mobile, and confident even during severe weather events.

As local Markham REALTORS®, Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani of Kaizen Real Estate, we believe that understanding how a city performs during challenging weather is just as important as understanding home prices or neighborhoods. Winter conditions reveal a lot about infrastructure, planning, and livability, key factors for homeowners and buyers alike.

On January 15, 2026, the City of Markham declared a Significant Weather Event following an orange-level snowfall warning from Environment Canada, with 20–40 cm of snow, reduced visibility, and blowing snow. Events like this highlight why winter preparedness matters for anyone living in or considering a move to Markham.

Understanding Major Snowstorms in Markham

Winter storms in Markham often bring:

• Heavy snowfall in short periods

• Blowing snow and low visibility

• Hazardous road conditions during rush hour

• Very cold wind chills after snowfall ends

In response, the City of Markham activates its winter operations, deploying road and sidewalk plows operating 24/7 to maintain safety across residential streets, arterial roads, and pedestrian routes.

This level of preparedness is one of the reasons Markham continues to be a top choice for families, professionals, and long-term homeowners.

What Is a “Significant Weather Event” in Markham?

A Significant Weather Event is declared when severe weather conditions make it unsafe or unrealistic for the city to meet normal snow-clearing timelines.

During this time:

• Snow removal standards are temporarily adjusted

• Homeowners are given more time to clear sidewalks

• Priority is given to main roads, emergency routes, and transit corridors

Snow clearing does not stop, it continues until conditions improve and normal service levels resume.

Snowstorm Safety Tips for Markham Residents

1. Stay Informed

• Follow Environment Canada alerts

• Monitor City of Markham winter operations updates

• Watch school board announcements if you have children

2. Travel Only When Necessary

• Avoid driving during peak snowfall or whiteout conditions

• Expect slower commutes during morning and evening rush hours

• Check transit updates before heading out

3. Prepare Your Home for Extreme Winter Weather

Homeowners in Markham should:

• Clear snow away from furnace and dryer vents

• Prevent ice dams by safely removing excess roof snow

• Protect outdoor pipes from freezing

• Keep emergency supplies on hand

From a real estate perspective, winter storms often reveal how well a home is insulated, drained, and maintained—important considerations for buyers.

4. Practice Safe Snow Removal

• Shovel in stages to avoid strain

• Wear footwear with good traction

• Use ice melt responsibly

• Check on elderly neighbors when possible

School Closures During Snowstorms in Markham

During severe winter storms, school boards such as the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) may close schools or cancel transportation to ensure student safety.

Closures typically happen when:

• Roads are unsafe for school buses

• Visibility is significantly reduced

• Extreme cold poses health risks

While closures aren’t frequent, families should expect occasional disruptions during major storms and cleanup periods.

Why Winter Preparedness Matters for Home Buyers

Winter is actually one of the best times to evaluate a home and neighborhood.

Snowstorms help buyers assess:

• Road and sidewalk maintenance

• Neighborhood accessibility

• School and transit proximity

• Property insulation, roofing, and drainage

Understanding how a city performs during winter is key to making a confident long-term home purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Markham safe during snowstorms?

Yes. Markham is well-equipped to handle winter weather, with dedicated snow removal crews, emergency planning, and clear public communication. While travel can be hazardous during peak snowfall, the city’s infrastructure helps restore safe conditions efficiently.

What happens during a significant weather event?

During a significant weather event, snow-clearing timelines are adjusted due to extreme conditions. City crews continue working around the clock, prioritizing major roads, emergency routes, and sidewalks until normal service levels can safely resume.

Do Markham schools often close due to snow?

School closures in Markham are not common but can occur during severe snowstorms or extreme cold. Decisions are made by school boards such as YRDSB with student safety as the top priority.

Final Thoughts: Living in Markham Through Winter Storms

Snowstorms are part of life in Markham, but they also highlight the city’s strong infrastructure, planning, and community resilience. With the right preparation and local knowledge, residents can navigate even major winter events with confidence, and stay safe throughout the winter season.

For those considering buying or moving to Markham, understanding how neighborhoods perform year-round, including winter, is essential.

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or relocating to Markham and want guidance on neighborhoods, winter accessibility, and long-term livability, Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani of Kaizen Real Estate are happy to share local insights, no pressure, just clarity.