Winter Operations

A Significant Weather Event is defined as an approaching or occurring weather hazard with the potential to pose a significant danger to users of roads and sidewalks within a municipality. Examples of severe weather that could trigger a Significant Weather Event include:

• Significant snow accumulation during a 24-hour period.
• Ice formation that wasn’t predicted.
• High winds leading to blowing snow and large snow drifts.
• Extreme cold temperatures when de-icing won’t be as effective.

When weather conditions are forecasted or are occurring that are expected to impact our standard timelines for winter maintenance of our roads and sidewalks, the Township may need to declare a Significant Weather Event.

The Ontario Regulation 239/02, Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways allows municipalities to declare a Significant Weather Event when the weather conditions have the potential to pose a significant danger to users of the roads and sidewalks which they have authority over.

The Township has standard amounts of time (standard timelines) for clearing its roadways and sidewalks.  We monitor current conditions and weather forecasts to see if weather conditions might affect our standard timelines. If our timelines are being impacted or are likely to be impacted based on weather forecasts, we can declare a Significant Weather Event. 

During a Significant Weather Event:

• Township service levels do not change, but winter maintenance activities may take longer to complete. Crews will continue to work on maintaining the roadways and sidewalks until the Significant Weather Event has ended.
• Declaration of a Significant Weather Event does NOT indicate a closure of any road or an imminent closure of any road. Individual roads that are closed are determined by OPP and notices will be circulated via the OPP. However, residents are urged to remain at home and avoid driving unless travel is necessary when a Significant Weather Event is declared.
• It may take longer than usual to get roads cleared and back to normal.  The declaration is to notify the public that due to the current or forecasted conditions, caution is to be observed when travelling on Township roads and that it may take longer than usual to bring the condition of the roads back to a state of repair.

A Significant Weather Event means there are ongoing, hazardous road conditions on Township roads and sidewalks.  When we declare a Significant Weather Event, we recommend staying off the roads and staying home, if possible. If you must go out, please drive with caution. Stay a safe distance away from winter maintenance vehicles to give them space to work.

How do I know if the Township has declared a Significant Weather Event?

We always communicate the declaration of a Significant Weather Event on the Township website and on the Township’s social media channels. We declare the end of a Significant Weather Event when it’s appropriate to do so. Once the end of the SWE has been declared, the usual timelines for winter maintenance on Township roads and sidewalks will then resume.

The District Municipality of Muskoka may declare a Significant Weather Event at the same time. Check the District’s website to see which roads are affected.

How can you be prepared for a Significant Weather Event? 

Being prepared in the event of a Significant Weather Event is imperative. For more information about emergency preparedness in Muskoka Lakes, please visit the Fire Department's Emergency Preparedness page.

Snow Removal Tips

• It is illegal to push snow from your private property onto public streets or sidewalks. 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.
• 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.
• Please do not push large volumes of snow into ditches. It can turn into ice and block nearby culverts.
• Clear storm drains of leaves and snow to prevent flooding.
• Please do not park on public roads where it could obstruct snow removal or other winter maintenance efforts.
• Please do not park vehicles on driveways in a way where they block any part of the sidewalk. Please ensure a clear passage for the sidewalk plow.
• Consider assisting your elderly or disabled neighbour(s) by clearing snow for them.
• You, as the property owner, are responsible for clearing windrows from the end of your driveway.
• Teach 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.
• Keep your 911 sign clear of snow buildup.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

• 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.
• it is unsafe and illegal to "jay-walk". Please cross at crosswalks or designated traffic signals.
• Be alert while walking. Refrain from using a cell phone while walking on streets and sidewalks. Make eye contact with approaching drivers before crossing the road.
• Always wear proper footwear for icy conditions. Rubber soles and low heels will help to ensure safety when walking on winter roads and sidewalks.

Winter Driving Tips

• 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 25%. All-season tires are not as effective and can lose their grip when the temperature is below 7°C. Drivers with winter tires may be eligible for a discount on car insurance through the winter months.
• Drive according to road conditions. Allow more distance between cars, slow down, and give yourself more travel time. Give yourself extra time and space to stop in bad weather. Do not rely on the estimated time of arrival according to your GPS. 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 to improve visibility. 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: gloves, booster cables, a small shovel, windshield wiper fluid, a first aid kit, a torch, a snow brush, candles, a safety vest, water bottles and non-perishable energy foods. Keep 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 allow yourself to be distracted when driving.
• Prevent hydroplaning. Scan ahead for large puddles and slow down.