(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
Northumberland County continues to actively manage winter road maintenance operations amid a province-wide road salt shortage. Demand for road salt has increased significantly across Ontario this season driven by an early start to winter, frequent snow events, and prolonged periods of extreme cold.
As a result, municipalities – including Northumberland County – are facing limited supply availability.
With this region having already recorded nearly twice as many winter weather events as this time last year, there has been added pressure on winter maintenance operations. While the County plans well in advance for winter conditions – including the bulk purchase of both treated and regular road salt prior to the start of the season, with contracted restock throughout – the high number of weather events has resulted in supplies being used more quickly than anticipated.
“Treated salt is highly effective in colder temperatures and allows us to use less material while achieving better results,” says Director of Public Works Denise Marshall. “Due to the high number of winter weather events this season, our contracted supply of treated salt has been used more quickly than anticipated. We continue to receive salt, but ongoing supply uncertainty across the province means we need to carefully manage how and when materials are applied.”
To responsibly manage available supply while continuing to provide service, the County is implementing mitigation measures while actively working to find additional alternative suppliers across the province and beyond.
“To help manage remaining supplies while continuing to provide service, we’re implementing measures such as adjusted application rates and increased use of sand-salt mixtures instead of straight salt,” adds Marshall. “With road safety as our utmost priority, we’re being very strategic about how and when materials are applied, based on current road and weather conditions.”
Residents may notice increased use of sand-salt mixes – with sand helping to improve traction –as well as operational adjustments, as the County continues to respond to evolving winter conditions. Potential reductions in snow plowing service levels will be considered as a last resort, should the shortage continue and winter conditions persist over the coming weeks.
The County continuously monitors weather forecasts and road conditions. During forecasted snowfall events, anti-icing liquids are applied in advance, and crews actively plow, sand, and salt throughout storm events. Northumberland County maintains approximately 900 lane kilometres of roadway using a fleet of 27 pieces of winter maintenance equipment. Snow clearing timelines are based on snowfall depth and road classification.
“Northumberland County takes pride in delivering a very high level of service for winter maintenance,” states Marshall. “We are doing everything we can to maintain safe roads. We also look to community members to share in this responsibility. Please, if you’re driving, slow down, drive to conditions, be patient, and give snowplows plenty of room to do their work.”
The County’s Procurement and Public Works teams continue to work closely with suppliers across Ontario and beyond to secure additional materials as they become available.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed of weather and road conditions, plan ahead for winter travel by carrying an emergency kit, and exercise caution during winter weather events.
For information on Northumberland County’s snow plowing service level standards, including an infographic explaining the maintenance of County roads during a snowfall, visit: Northumberland.ca/Snow.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
