Winter Operations

•  DO NOT push snow from your private property onto public streets or sidewalk, as it is illegal. Pursuant to Part X (181) of the Highway Traffic Act “No person shall deposit snow or ice on the roadway without permission in writing from the Ministry or road authority…”
• Shovel snow onto your property, away from the road and sidewalk;
• DO NOT push large volumes of snow into ditches as it can turn into ice and block the culverts;
• DO NOT park on public roads where it could obstruct snow removal or other winter maintenance efforts. Adhere to Winter Parking Bylaw 2016-92;
• To ensure the clear passage of the sidewalk plow, DO NOT park vehicles on driveways in such a way that they block any part of the sidewalk;
• Clear storm drains of leaves and snow to prevent flooding;
• When piling snow on your property, take care not to block sightlines from driveways;
• If you have a fire hydrant in front of your house, you can assist the District of Muskoka by clearing the snow from around the fire hydrant;
• Consider assisting your elderly or disabled neighbour(s) by clearing snow for them;
• You are reminded that you (the property owner) is responsible for clearing windrows from the end of your driveway;  and
• Inform children not to play in snow banks at edge of road, snow piles in cul-de-sacs or any other area where snow removal takes place.

• Pedestrians should wear reflective clothing at night or during poor visibility to ensure they are highly visible to all traffic;
• Wearing earphones or winter headgear (i.e. hoodies, hats) can inhibit your hearing or peripheral vision. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings;
• Don’t ‘jay walk’ it is unsafe and illegal. Cross at crosswalks or designated traffic signals;
• Pay attention and do not text while walking; and
• Make eye contact with approaching drivers before crossing the road.

Take the program – Be Smart About Salt

Founded in 2007, Smart About Salt is the first comprehensive salt management program in Canada aimed at private contractors and facility operators.

Contractors responsible for winter maintenance on private land are encouraged to embrace the Smart About Salt program. The program’s objective is to reduce the environmental impact of salt while maintaining safety for vehicles and pedestrians. Although voluntary, the program is recognized by many site owners that may employ contractors in the snow and ice management industry that the contractor meets salt management best practices standards.

Be smart about salt! Visit www.smartaboutsalt.com to learn about ‘Smart About Salt’ and to register your company for training!

LESS IS MORE

“Smart About Salt” helps educate contractors and private owners that use winter salt about best winter maintenance practices.

The Smart About Salt “Less is More” philosophy asserts that less salt equates to more effective winter maintenance, more savings and from a wholistic perspective, enhanced environmental protection.

Commercial parking lots, driveways, walkways, and private roads are often ‘winter maintained’ by a host of contractors. When conducting winter operations, many contractors may apply chemical anti-icing and/or de-icing agents with little or no judicial oversight or understanding about its application.

Salt is a highly effective deicer. However, its biggest attribute is also one of its biggest drawbacks. Salt is inexpensive, readily available and has easy to deploy application methods. Because of these attributes, private contractors have little incentive to monitor its use and/or over-use. Many contractors have every incentive to over salt, to make sure the job is done and to avoid any potential liabilities from slips and falls. Adopting this philosophy comes with collateral damage, which includes the harm the runoff does to rivers and lakes, as well as degradation and damage to buildings, pavements, vegetation, vehicles, and personal attire (i.e., footwear, clothing etc.). It is not that contractors are willfully over-salting. They simply haven’t had the training to understand that they can do a better job and improve their operations and profitability by using best salt management practices.

• Consider getting winter tires (if you don’t already have them). Winter tires provide better traction, handling and braking and can shorten your braking distance by as much as 25 per cent. All-season tires are not the same as winter tires. They lose their grip when the temperature dips below 7 C. Drivers with winter tires may also eligible for an insurance discount starting Jan. 1, 2016;
• Drive according to road conditions. Give more distance between cars, slow down, and allow yourself more travel time. Give extra time and space to stop in bad weather. Do not rely on the estimated time of arrival your GPS gives you. Remember: speed limits are set for ideal conditions;
• Clear snow and ice from your vehicle. Make sure you clean all windows, mirrors, lights and the roof. Wait for any foggy windows to clear up so your visibility isn't poor. Good visibility keeps yourself and others safe;
• Check road and weather conditions frequently. Choose the route you'll take ahead of time and check the weather forecast to make sure you know what to expect before you hit the road.
• Create a 'survival’ kit. Your survival kit should include items such as: gloves, booster cables, small shovel, windshield wiper fluid, first aid kit, torch, snow brush, candles, safety vest, water bottles and non-perishable energy foods. Put the kit in the trunk of your car;
• Watch for pedestrians. Look twice for pedestrians crossing the road;
• Stay back from snow clearing equipment by approximately 45 metres (147 feet). If you find yourself behind a snow plow, maintain a safe distance. Snow plow drivers do not always have the best visibility and can create clouds of snow that can reduce your visibility;
• Pay attention to the road. Do not text or otherwise be distracted when driving.

• Prevent hydroplaning.  Scan ahead for large puddles and slow down.

To Report a concern with Winter Control Operations, Contact Us at:705-687-3412, press 5, and then 3, or ext 2261 or use our online form

Complaints are addressed on a priority and scheduling basis and in accordance with legislated standards.