Toronto raises fines to $500 for blocking streetcars during snowstorms 

November 14,2025

RED FM News Desk

Toronto city council has approved a steep increase in fines for drivers who block TTC streetcars along designated snow routes, raising the penalty from $200 to $500. The decision comes in response to last February’s record-breaking snowfall that left sidewalks impassable, clogged major roads and caused repeated snowplow breakdowns across the city. 

Council voted 21–4 in favour of the change. Coun. Dianne Saxe argued that the previous $200 fine was “just the cost of a fill-up” and failed to deter drivers. She noted that when a single vehicle blocks a streetcar line, “hundreds or even thousands of people are affected.” 

As part of the same set of decisions, the city will also explore options to improve real-time winter operations data. Proposed improvements include push alerts for snow-clearing schedules and temporary parking restrictions. 

In addition, staff will develop a new plan requiring corporate property owners to clear their sidewalks promptly and at their own expense. 

Further recommendations on winter operations and enforcement are expected to be presented to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in December.