Across Ontario, municipalities, including Merrickville-Wolford, are experiencing impacts from a province-wide road salt shortage. Increased winter weather events, frequent freeze–thaw cycles, and supply and transportation constraints have significantly limited salt availability.
Due to the province-wide shortage and resulting allocation limits, we have been advised by our salt supplier that there are minimal salt deliveries for the remainder of the winter season. This situation is not unique to our area and reflects the same challenges being experienced by municipalities across Ontario.
Staff anticipated this possibility and prepared as best we could by building stockpiles earlier in the season; however, remaining supplies are now limited and being carefully managed.
To help conserve remaining supplies and ensure materials last through the season, we have discontinued the use of straight salt and are now applying a salt/sand mix on our roads. Our sand supply remains in good condition.
What to expect for the remainder of the winter
With colder temperatures, residents should expect snow-packed road conditions rather than bare, wet pavement. Salt is less effective in colder weather, even under normal conditions, and these conditions are expected to continue for the remainder of the winter season.
Residents may notice that some roads and sidewalks take longer to reach bare pavement, particularly during extended or back-to-back winter events.
Crews will continue performing regular winter maintenance operations and applying a salt/sand mix during and after each winter weather event.
How residents can help
We ask residents to:
- Allow extra time when walking or driving and maintain safe distances
- Keep garbage and recycling bins off roadways and snowbanks. To help reduce the risk of spillage during snow cleanup, we encourage setting bins out after 5 a.m.
- Avoid pushing snow onto roads, sidewalks, or catch basins
- If there is a fire hydrant on your property, please help keep it clear of snow and ice to ensure quick access in an emergency.
- Avoid on-street parking during winter maintenance operations (A reminder that overnight on-street parking is prohibited from November 15th – April 15th)
