Stay safe and be prepared

Full recovery from a winter storm may take some time, and we appreciate your patience when our crews work to clear snow and restore services. To help you stay safe and informed, we've outlined key steps to take before, during, and after the storm.

Before the storm: be prepared

Taking a few simple steps in advance can help you stay safe and prepared before a storm arrives.

• Plan ahead: If possible, adjust your schedule to minimize or avoid travel during a winter storm.
• Prepare an emergency kit: Ensure you have a 72-hour emergency kit with essentials such as food, water, medications, and flashlights.
• Charge your devices: Keep cell phones and battery-powered devices fully charged.
• Stay informed: Monitor weather updates at weather.gc.ca.
• Follow parking regulations: When winter parking restrictions are in effect, vehicles must be kept off the road to allow for safe and efficient snow removal.

During the storm: expect delays and disruptions

Travel and services will be impacted as the winter storm moves through, so expect delays and disruptions.

• Difficult travel conditions: Roads may be hazardous, and service disruptions or delays can be expected during a winter storm. If you must travel, be sure that someone knows your route and keep an emergency kit in the car.
• Garbage & Recycling Collection: Curbside collection can be delayed during extreme weather. Check for delays before placing your bins out. Place bins far enough back from the road to prevent them from being buried by plow windrows.
• Stay updated: Check weather.gc.ca for the latest conditions.
• Report concerns: Use the report a concern feature on our website to notify Township staff of any issues. Please note that during and after a storm, our priority is snow clearing, and response times may be delayed.
• Keep roads clear: Parked vehicles must be off the road and far enough back to allow safe passage of snowplows and sidewalk clearing equipment.

After the storm: recovery and safety

As our community recovers from a storm, do your part to stay safe and support cleanup efforts.

• Do not push snow onto the roadway: Placing snow or ice on the road is a violation under the Highway Traffic Act and creates hazardous conditions for vehicles and pedestrians. It also slows our cleanup efforts.
• Take frequent breaks: Avoid strain when clearing snow.
• Keep essential areas clear: Ensure your 911 address is visible and clear snow from appliance exhausts and gas meters to prevent hazards.
• Help keep fire hydrants clear: If possible, clear snow from hydrants near your property to ensure emergency access.
• Check on your neighbours: If safe to do so, look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may need assistance.
• Keep kids safe: Don't let children play in the snow banks at the side of the road.
• Use caution when driving near entranceways and when exiting a driveway. Tall snow banks can make it hard to see oncoming traffic.
• When we experience milder temperatures after a heavy snowfall, rooftop snow and ice may begin to loosen and fall unexpectedly. Use caution near buildings and awnings.

Stay safe and be prepared!