Despite the beautiful fall weather we are currently experiencing, the Town knows that snowy winter weather could be just around the corner. As such, Town Staff is preparing for such weather and ensuring it is ready to respond appropriately and effectively to keep roads clear and the community safe.
To help community members stay updated about the Town’s winter response efforts, the Town is launching and utilizing new GPS technology for winter road maintenance. This new, interactive winter operations map will keep residents informed about salting, sanding and snow plowing operations. More information will be released in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
As a reminder on winter safety, please read below about how to stay safe during the winter months and severe weather events.
Stormwater Ponds
As temperatures drop in the upcoming weeks, ice may begin to form on stormwater ponds and natural bodies of water throughout Town. Residents are reminded to please keep themselves, their children and their pets away from stormwater ponds that have frozen over.
Stormwater pond ice appears solid but has fluctuating water flows that create a freeze/thaw environment, resulting in unknown ice conditions. The ice is unstable and unsafe for recreational activities, including walking, ice skating and hockey.
Signage will be installed around stormwater ponds advising of winter safety protocols and risks (e.g., changing conditions, keeping off the ice, etc.). Residents are asked to please adhere to the information outlined on the signage to stay safe.
Snow Removal
Be in the know when it comes to snow! The Town’s snow removal procedures support safe road maintenance and safe road and sidewalk conditions during the winter months. Some tips for residents include:
- Pile all snow from your driveway and walkways on your property - not on the road. When clearing your driveway, pile snow on the right side of your driveway if you are facing the street. This will help reduce the amount of snow pushed back into your driveway by a plow.
- Keep fire hydrants clear and accessible; gaining access could be critical in the event of a fire.
- On your garbage day, place your garbage and recycling containers close to the edge of the road; place them away from the edge of the road to avoid interfering with snow removal.
- Do not deposit snow on public roadways. Pushing or blowing snow and ice onto or across public roadways creates an unsafe situation for drivers and can be punishable by a fine under Section 181 of the Highway Traffic Act.
Winter Parking
Residents are reminded that restrictions on snow removal and street parking are in effect during the winter months.
Please do not leave vehicles parked on a public roadway during or after a winter storm event, to allow for proper plow truck operations.
Pursuant to the Town’s Parking and Traffic By-Law 4308-09, and the Repair and Storage Liens Act RSO 1990 c. R25, By-Law Enforcement Officers may issue parking infraction notices and tow vehicles that directly interfere with snow removal.
Helpful Tips
Other helpful reminders for the winter season are as follows:
- Report any slippery or dangerous road conditions by calling 905-468-3266 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or report concerns via the Town’s online Service Request Portal.
- Offer snow removal help to your neighbours who require assistance.
Under severe weather conditions, it takes some time to get to all streets. If your street has not been plowed, please allow at least 24 hours after the snow has stopped falling for Town plow trucks to arrive. Please keep in mind that if you live on a Regionally-owned road, the Region’s plow trucks are responsible for plowing your street.
Quotes
“As beautiful as the winter time is in Niagara-on-the-Lake, it is important to be well-informed on winter safety,” stated Lord Mayor Betty Disero. “Thank you to our Town Roads Staff for monitoring weather changes, clearing roads efficiently, and keeping Niagara-on-the-Lake maintained during the winter weather.”
"Weather events are unpredictable, and it is important to have proper processes in place to ensure an efficient response to winter cleanup efforts," stated incoming Director of Operations Romolo D'Angelo. "I look forward to leading the Town's winter response efforts this upcoming season and working alongside the strong workforce in the Operations Staff Department."
For frequently asked questions about winter parking, snow removal processes and significant weather events, please visit www.notl.com/town-services/roads-infrastructure/snow-procedures.
For immediate alerts, follow the Town on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Media Contact:
Marah Minor, Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator
905-468-3266 | communications@notl.com