Here’s how much it has to snow for roads to be cleared in Mississauga
Published November 6, 2019 at 8:48 pm
Although it feels early to start thinking about snow, temperatures are steadily dropping and it’s clear that winter is, sadly, coming (and there will be no new Game of Thrones episodes to look forward to this snowy season).
Since colder temperatures and morning frosts have already hit Mississauga, we know snow won’t be far behind.
For that reason, you might want to learn a little bit about to expect in terms of snow clearing this winter.
“Mississauga is ready and prepared for whatever winter weather may come our way,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie in a statement.
“Whether it’s snow or ice on our roads, winter crews will be working around the clock to make sure roads, bike lanes, sidewalks and bus stops are safe and accessible this winter. To minimize the impact on the environment, roads are only salted when needed.”
Here is what you need to know about snow clearing in Mississauga:
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“We have 378 pieces of snow clearing equipment that are ready to clear 5,600 lane kilometres of roads and on-street bike lanes, 1,600 linear kilometres of priority sidewalks, 3,400 bus stops, 95 kilometres of roadside multi-use trails and over 1,000 pedestrian crossings,” Mickey Frost, Director, Works Operations and Maintenance said in a statement.
Residents can get snow clearing updates using the city’s snow plow tracker online and by following @MississaugaSnow on Twitter.
Residential roads and priority sidewalks are not cleared to the bare pavement but are made passable and safe.
Other things you should know?
On-street parking
Parked vehicles reduce the city’s ability to efficiently and safely clear roads. Any parked vehicles on residential roads should be removed during snow clearing. On-street parking restrictions remain in effect from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m., year-round.
Temporary parking permits can be suspended at any time during winter operations and new permits will not be issued. Vehicles parked on city streets will be enforced according to the traffic bylaw and will be issued a penalty notice and be subject to towing at the owner’s expense.
Using salt responsibly
Salt can be bad for the environment, so the city takes a more conservative approach. Access to an advanced weather monitoring system allows winter crews to salt only when necessary and in accordance with conditions.
Residents are also encouraged to minimize the impact of salt on the environment by following manufacturer instructions to only apply the right amount under the right conditions.
You can download the Pingstreet mobile app to report over-salting at bus stops.
Significant weather event
During severe winter events, the city may declare a Significant Weather Event, which allows operators more time to deploy winter equipment to address a significant winter storm. Service level timing starts after the declaration is lifted instead of when the snow stops.
Safety Tips (courtesy of the City of Mississauga)
- Be a good neighbour by clearing your sidewalk as soon as possible after a snowfall for the safety of others, and offer to help older adults and people with disabilities
- Drive according to weather conditions and give snow plows and salt trucks lots of space as they clear the roads.
- Wear appropriate footwear when outside
- Ensure pets are brought indoors during extreme weather conditions