Which streets are the first to be maintained?
The Municipality is divided into 18 routes. Each route is made up of streets categorized in priority order, with first priority streets cleared first. Priority roads are arterial roads or secondary collector roads that carry the highest volumes of traffic. These roads are used to access business areas or the hospital. Other roads are primarily residential, residential rural or secondary routes. These are systematically ploughed after the priority routes have been completed.
Why does it seem to take a long time for other streets to be cleaned?
Snowfalls or snowstorms that last many hours, and windy conditions or freezing rain that turns into snow pose unique challenges. In these conditions, priority streets may be ploughed more than once before other local streets.
Why are cul-de-sac streets cleared last?
Due to varied shapes and sizes, cul-de-sacs pose a challenge to snowplow equipment. The roads are plowed to the cul-de-sac and then specialized equipment is brought in to remove the snow. Most cul-de-sacs are serviced after priority and other roads have been plowed. This process is time consuming and generally left until last to be fully cleared. The Municipality understands the frustration that can occur for affected residents. We continually review our process in an effort to reduce delays that occur in clearing snow in cul-de-sacs.
What do I do if my street was missed?
Although crews are very conscientious in following route schedules, sometimes streets may be missed due to an oversight. Please contact the administration office and crews will be notified and arrangements will be made to have the street cleared as soon as possible.
Who determines the street-clearing schedule?
Weather conditions determine how quickly the streets can be cleared. Snow clearing schedules change due to winter weather systems and temperature variances. Staff must assess several variables and quality standards for clearing snow when determining schedules. Everyone's safety is considered.
How long does snow clearance usually take?
Most routes are completed within the quality standard depending on the type of storm. Clearance time may be longer when snowfall are heavy, there are complications due to freezing rain, many cars are parked on the street, or crews are clearing snow during peak traffic times. In accordance with Ministry of Labour regulations, drivers cannot work for more than 13 hours without a rest period. This can sometimes impact on snow clearance time.
What equipment is used and under what circumstances?
Sanding and salting vehicles are generally used to control winter road conditions. It is important to prevent ice from bonding with the road surface. Therefore, salting vehicles work on main streets regularly during winter weather. The road crews' effort is to keep major routes as bare as possible. Ploughs are generally used prior to sand and salt. Care and experience are necessary to safely maneuver plough blades through traffic and around pared vehicles. Snow removal efficiency is at a maximum when streets have little or no traffic and are clear of parked cars. This is why snow removal is mainly done in the evening and overnight.
The plow only made one pass down my street and didn't clear it completely. When will they come back to complete it?
If the snow is particularly heavy, crews will often make one pass down the street to help residents get out. They will return later when they are able to clear the street.
I just finished plowing the driveway and the plow came by and filled it back in. What can be done about this?
It is important to note that our plow operators do not intentionally block driveways. Due to the difficulty of removing large amounts of snow, many people find it easier to clear the snow before it becomes too heavy. Often this is before the storm has ended and while snowplowing operations are still underway. Please understand that until roads are completely cleared, it should be anticipated that you might have to clear your driveway several times during and after storm events.
Why can't the plow lift the blade at my driveway?
Unfortunately, the snowplow equipment is not designed for this. If the plow blade were lifted from the roadway, large patches of snow would remain and create hazardous driving conditions.
Why is salt and sand used?
Salt use is kept to a minimum. It is spread only on main roads and occurs at the beginning of a snowfall's melting point. The mixture used on the local streets is usually 4 %. On priority streets 100% salt is applied. Salt reducing measures are implemented as appropriate. Our goal is to be proactive in the area while recognizing the safety of Municipal streets during slippery conditions.
Is road salt harmful to the environment?
There have been no findings that prove road salt is harmful to humans. In 2001 Environment Canada released an assessment report stating that road salts are entering the environment in large amounts and are posing a risk to plants, animals, birds, fish, lake and stream ecosystems, and groundwater. Environment Canada has classified road salt as toxic under the Canadian Environment Protection Act (CEPA). The toxic designation means that road salt is harmful to the environment when used in excessive amounts. Environment Canada has not banned road salt.
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