As winter approaches, the Municipality of Meaford’s Transportation and Operations Department is once again focused on Keeping Meaford Moving, safely and efficiently, through the snow and ice season.
Winter Operations in Meaford
-
Our staff work hard to clear, maintain, and provide safe routes of travel during the winter over approximately 413 kilometers of roads within the municipality.
-
Snow is cleared from all roads after every major storm.
-
There are 13 plow routes in the Municipality: 10 dedicated to roads, and 3 dedicated to parking lots and sidewalk clearing.
Priorities on the Road
-
Roads and sidewalks are cleared, adhering to the respective road class requirements set out in Regulation 239/02 of the Municipal Act.Meaford’s road systems reflect the following road schedules:
-
The standard response times (Reg239/02) for snow clearing by road class
-
Class 3: 12 hours after 8 cm accumulation
-
Class 4: 16 hours after 8 cm accumulation
-
Class 5: 24 hours after 10 cm accumulation
-
Sidewalks: 48 hours after 8 cm accumulation
Working Together to Keep Meaford Moving
Winter safety is everyone’s responsibility. Here are ways you can help our crews clear snow more efficiently:
Overnight Parking
From November 15 to April 1, no parking is allowed on streets or in municipal lots between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. during these dates to facilitate snow removal.
-
Exception: The Market Square Parking Lot at 12 Nelson Street East permits overnight parking in designated rows. Park in the ‘odd’ or ‘even’ row corresponding to the next day’s date when plowing occurs between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. For example, if you park on the 15th and leave your vehicle overnight, use the ‘even’ row for the 16th.
Driveways & Snow Clearing
-
Reminder to all residents and contractors under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA), it is illegal to push snow or ice onto the roadway
-
Ensure your mailbox is in good repair and clearly visible. Residentsare responsible for snow/ice around their mailbox and garbage bins so they’re visible for plow operators.
-
If you’re able, clear snow from around fire hydrants near your property.
-
Place garbage and recycling bins at the end of your driveway (not on snowbanks or roads) so they remain visible and are not at risk of damage.
Sidewalks
-
Approximately 60% of our urban roads have sidewalks. The sidewalk plow route focuses on the downtown core, main street, and school areas.
-
Some sidewalks are deemed “no winter maintenance” if they’redeemed too narrow, do not lead anywhere or cannot be maintained.
Children & Snowbanks
Please remind children that snowbanks near roads or intersections are not for play. Tunnels, climbing or forts near roadways can be very dangerous.
Significant Weather Events
Under Regulation 239/02 of the Municipal Act, the Municipality may declare a Significant Weather Event when forecast or current conditions pose a significant risk (e.g., heavy snow accumulation, freezing rain, high winds, drifting snow).
When that happens:
-
Standard timelines for road/sidewalk maintenance are suspended.
-
The event remains in place until the municipality declares it has ended.
-
The declaration does not mean reduced service levels or road closure. It means extra caution is needed during operations.
Thank You for Keeping Meaford Moving
The Municipality of Meaford thanks all residents for their cooperation, patience and community spirit. By following these simple steps, you help ensure our roads, sidewalks, and public spaces remain safe and accessible for everyone and help us keep Meaford moving all winter long.
For more information about winter maintenance, route priorities, and maps, visit meaford.ca/winter.
Contact:
Jeff Fries
Manager, Transportation & Fleet Services21 Trowbridge Street West, Meaford519 538-1060 ext. 1302 |roads@meaford.ca