City of Peterborough Prepared For Approaching Winter Weather Season

The City of Peterborough’s snow-clearing crews are ready to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to keep the community moving when the winter weather arrives.

Photo by Aaron Elliott.

“The City’s snow clearing operations prioritize safety and efficiency to make sure roads, sidewalks and trails are clear and accessible. No matter what the weather, our crews will be out there working around the clock to make sure residents can safely get to where they need to be,” said Municipal Operations co-chairs Keith Riel and Don Vassiliadis in a joint statement.

The City clears roads, bike lanes and sidewalks based on regulated maintenance standards.

The City’s snow-clearing operations include:

• 18 plow trucks, two graders, seven loaders and backhoes, and four light sanding units to cover 978 kilometres of roads

• 11 sidewalk plows to cover 450 kilometres of sidewalks

• Maintenance to 39 kilometres of trails and 650 bus stops

• Winter service to 27 Municipal Surface Parking Lots

Service levels

Snow-clearing operations are based on a priority route system.

Roads that see the highest traffic volume, are on transit routes or pass by the hospital are the highest priority for maintenance in winter weather. Arterial and collector roads are cleared first as required by legislated standards.

Once the arterial and collector roads are clear or safe, snow-clearing operations shift to residential or local streets.

Depending on the storm's severity, the time it takes to finish snow clearing can vary. A big storm with snowfall over a long period may mean clearing snow from neighbourhood streets takes longer.

The City follows the provincial guidelines set under the Municipal Act, 2001, O. Reg. 239/02: Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways. The regulations categorize and prioritize roads based on traffic volumes and speed limits – the greater the volume of traffic and the greater the speed limit on the roads, the greater the priority for snow and ice clearing. The guidelines also include standards for the winter maintenance of bike lanes along roads and sidewalks.

Snow clearing in the downtown

As snow accumulates during the winter, City crews regularly remove snowbanks in the downtown area. To keep the space clear for the snow removal, no parking signs are posted ahead of the snowbank removal work.

Winter parking restrictions

Parking rules change in the snowy season to assist with snow-clearing work. Keeping streets clear overnight allows for better, quicker snow clearing of City streets.

From Dec. 1 to April 1, parking is prohibited on all City streets from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. The fine for a violation is $25.

During a snowstorm, when snow-clearing operations are underway, no parking is permitted on any City street. The fine is $80 for this violation and vehicles may be towed. Snow-clearing operations typically take place between midnight and 8 a.m.

Free overnight parking is permitted at all municipal parking lots, the King Street Parkade and the Simcoe Parking Garage. Vehicles parked overnight at either garage can obtain a gate arm ticket upon entry to use for a free transit trip home.

Declaring a Significant Weather Event

Municipalities can declare a Significant Weather Event under the Municipal Act, 2001, O. Reg. 239/02, relating to the maintenance of municipal roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes. During a Significant Weather Event declaration, all roadways in the municipality are deemed to be in a state of repair with respect to snow accumulation.

During a significant weather event, residents are advised to use caution and are reminded that typical winter maintenance service levels for roads may not be met. Motorists are advised to stay home and only use the roads for necessary travel. 

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Otonabee Conservation Issues Watershed Conditions Statement

Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety has been issued for all watercourses within the jurisdiction of Otonabee Conservation, with the exception of the Trent-Severn Waterway.

otonabee conservation logo

With widespread rainfall over the next few days, Otonabee Conservation says high-than-normal water flows and levels that could be dangerous are expected, although flooding is not a concern.

Total local rainfall amounts of 30 to 45 mm are predicted over the next 24 hours with showers becoming heavier at times with the risk of thunderstorms this evening and overnight and into the day on Wednesday.

While flooding is not expected, Otonabee Conservation says the forecasted rainfall will create ponding in low lying areas, roadways and higher-than-normal water levels and flows on all local watercourses.

The alert is in-effect until Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m., unless updated earlier.

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Peterborough Expected to Get Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms In Special Weather Statement

Peterborough, Lakefield and Southern Peterborough County are expected to get heavy rain in slow-moving thunderstorms on Friday according to Environment Canada.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

Torrential downpours are expected with rainfall amounts of 30 to 60 mm but could even be higher. The rainfall is expected to continue into this evening.

Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads according to Environment Canada. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

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Peterborough and the Kawarthas Under Severe Thunderstorm Watch For July 24

Peterborough, Lakefield and southern Peterborough County are under a severe thunderstorm watch that began Wednesday morning through until the evening.

Photo courtesy of Jay Callaghan.

Environment Canada says conditions are favourable for developing severe thunderstorms. These may produce strong wind gusts up to 90 km/h, torrential downpours with 50 mm falling within an hour, nickel- to Toonie-sized hail, and heavy rain.

These conditions can cause significant damage. Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Water-related activities may be unsafe due to violent and sudden gusts of wind over bodies of water.

Emergency Management Ontario recommends taking cover immediately if threatening weather approaches. Go indoors if you hear thunder roar.

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Peterborough Could See Heavy Rainfall Wednesday and Thursday From Hurricane Beryl Remnants

Peterborough and parts of the County could receive heavy rainfall due to the remnants of Hurricane Beryl on Wednesday and Thursday according to Environment Canada.

Photo courtesy of Dave Ellis.

Peterborough, Lakefield and southern parts of the County are the potential affected areas.

Rainfall is expected to begin either late Tuesday night or Wednesday and continue into Thursday.

Torrential downpours are estimated to bring 20 to 40 mm per hour at times while localized rainfall totals possibly well over 50 mm.

Although confidence in the weather system's exact track is low, these systems have produced very high rainfall rates in torrential downpours in the past says Environment Canada.

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Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes Under Tornado Watch

Peterborough and the Kawarthas are under a tornado watch according to Environment Canada to develop this afternoon and continue into the evening.

Photo courtesy of Tyler George.

Weather conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms which may produce tornadoes. Strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are also possible.

The risk of tornadoes can see strong winds gusting to 110 km/h with nickel-to-toonie-sized hail.

In case of severe weather, take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.

Photo courtesy of Instant Weather.

In the event of a tornado or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, Environment Canada recommends the following actions:

• Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet.

• Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelters and move to a strong building if possible.

• As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris.

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Peterborough and the Kawarthas Under Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Peterborough and the Kawarthas are under a severe thunderstorm watch that can take effect on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Jay Callaghan.

Conditions favour developing severe thunderstorms that may produce strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain according to Environment Canada.

Wind gusts of around 100 km/h could accompany toonie-sized hail. The risk of a tornado is highest this afternoon and evening.

Thunderstorms will develop along a cold front moving through the province this afternoon and evening. The main threats will be strong winds and hail but tornados are also possible.

Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Environment Canada advises that water-related activities may be unsafe due to violent and sudden gusts of wind over bodies of water.

Residents are urged to go indoors then thunder roars for risk of lightning.

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Selwyn Lifts Significant Weather Event From Friday

After reviewing Environment Canada weather reports and current conditions, the Township of Selwyn’s Significant Weather Event has been lifted, announced on Monday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Significant Weather Event was declared on Friday due to the impending winter storm.

The Township says that the weather has subsided enough that it can meet their required maintenance objective timelines.

Drivers and pedestrians are reminded to use caution while navigating in winter weather conditions. Selwyn assures that their Public Works crew are continuing with regular winter maintenance activities.

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Selwyn Declares Significant Weather Event With Impending Winter Storm

Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for Friday as conditions continue, announced by the Township of Selwyn.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The township urges those to consider postponing nonessential travel until conditions improve. Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays.

The Township of Selwyn is declaring a significant weather event, as per Ontario Regulation (O. Reg.) 366/18 section 16.9; which amended O. Reg. 239/02.

As per Regulation 366/18, an Ontario Municipality may declare a significant weather event when a weather hazard is approaching or occurring and can potentially pose a significant danger to users of the roadways over which they have authority.

This declaration suspends the standard timelines required for municipalities to meet their winter maintenance objectives until the municipality declares that the significant weather event has ended. In each case, during a declared significant weather event, the standard for addressing winter maintenance is to monitor the weather and deploy resources to address the issue starting from when the municipality deems it appropriate. When the municipality has declared the event has ended, the standard timelines for winter maintenance activities will begin.

The Township of Selwyn wishes to note that the declaration of a significant weather event is not a notice of a reduced level of service. The declaration is to notify the residents of the Township that due to the current forecasted conditions, caution is to be exercised when travelling on Township maintained roads, and it may take longer than usual to bring the conditions of the roads back to a state of repair.

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Peterborough to Face Significant Snowfall With Possible Risk of Freezing Rain Starting Tuesday

Significant snowfall of 10 to 15 cm or higher with a risk of freezing rain could hit Peterborough beginning Tuesday and into the night, according to Environment Canada.

File Photo.

Tuesday is expected to be cloudy with snow beginning around noon in the forecast. The risk of freezing rain could start late afternoon with a wind chill of -10 in the morning, blowing southeast at 30 kph.

A major winter storm is expected to move into portions of southern Ontario, as snow could be heavy at times with a risk of freezing rain. The snow is expected to change to rain Tuesday night as temperatures rise above the freezing mark.

Environment Canada says difficult travel conditions are likely with the risk. Snowfall warnings or winter weather travel advisories may be issued for some regions as this event draws nearer.

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