York Region and Parks Canada Launch Living Snow Fence Pilot

October 06, 2025
trees planted for snow fencing

York Region is taking a more sustainable approach to winter road safety through a Living Snow Fence pilot project in partnership with Parks Canada Rouge Urban Park. This innovative solution helps control drifting snow, reduces whiteouts and keeps roads clear and safe for motorists.

Unlike traditional slatted fences, living snow fences are made of trees and shrubs and can capture up to 12 times more snow. They also offer long-term environmental benefits:

  • Conserve energy for nearby farms and buildings
  • Provide habitat for wildlife
  • Attract pollinators
  • Last 40-50 years, compared to 7-20 years for conventional fences

Planted in March 2023 and now operational, the Living Snow Fence is located at 1700 Major Mackenzie Drive, at the Regional Road Operations Centre in the City of Richmond Hill.

As part of the pilot project, five fields totalling 2,270 metres along York Durham Line – from Elgin Mills Road South to 14th Avenue – were identified for living snow fences on the Rouge Urban Park lands. The first field, located north of 14th Avenue, spans 640 metres and features native species including:

  • Ninebark
  • Red Osier Dogwood
  • Elderberry
  • White Spruce
  • Norway Spruce

York Region will continue to monitor the pilot’s performance to determine future expansion across the Region.  

Stay informed and support road safety efforts:

Live Tree snow fence planting