This winter, there are a few things to remember to help keep each other safe:
- No parking on any Town road or highway between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. starting November 15th and running until April 15th. The set fine for this offence is $90.00. As per the Parking Bylaw (Bylaw 2000-12 as amended). Vehicles parked or left unattended on Town roads that interfere with snow removal equipment may be tagged and towed away to storage.
- No depositing snow or ice on a highway. The set fine for this offence is $250 as per the Parking Bylaw (Bylaw 2000-12 as amended)
- When the roadways are being ploughed, it is impossible not to block or deposit snow on private driveways. It is the owner's responsibility to clear the snow from their driveway entrances.
Your co-operation and assistance help to reduce snow removal costs. We endeavour to minimize costs in snow ploughing, sanding and salting the roads while maintaining an acceptable level of service.
Your valued assistance this winter will help the Roads Department provide efficient and cost-effective winter maintenance service. It will also help keep you, your neighbours, and your community safer.
Winter Driving Safety Tips from the OPP
With winter conditions just around the corner, the Central Region Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) wish to share some winter driving tips to help motorists navigate the roadways when the snow starts falling:
- Winter tires. Having winter tires can improve traction in frost, snow, and icy conditions, and shorten the braking distance of your vehicle.
- Plan-ahead and check the weather forecast before heading out. If there are adverse weather conditions, delay your trip if possible. You can use Ontario 511 to check road conditions here: Ontario 511 (511on.ca), Twitter: @511Ontario
- Properly clean the ice and snow from your windows, lights, mirrors, and roof. This will assist with visibility, as well as help avoid having ice and debris falling off your vehicle.
- Drive according to the conditions. Many collisions on our roadways occur because drivers are travelling too fast for the road conditions.
- Turn off the cruise control on wet, snowy, or icy pavement. It can reduce your reaction time and vehicle control.
- Steer gently on curves and slippery conditions. Hard braking, quick acceleration, and sudden gear changes can cause you to skid.
- Give other vehicles room. It can take vehicles longer to stop in slippery conditions, so be sure to leave adequate room between you and other vehicles.
- Have an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes warm clothing, a shovel, booster cables, high energy foods, flashlight, matches and a candle.
Be prepared for the unexpected. Give yourself some extra time if possible and remember, road safety is everyone's responsibility. If you know any drivers that may be new to driving in winter conditions, share this information with them, and help give them the driving advantage this winter season. It could save a life.