City of Peterborough Declares Significant Weather Event For Wednesday
/The City of Peterborough is declaring a Significant Weather Event to alert the community about the major winter storm expected to begin Wednesday evening through to Thursday.
Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.
The potential for blizzard conditions and snowfall overnight could pose a danger to users of City roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes. Due to the anticipated accumulation volume, the City says snow-clearing operations will take longer than usual to complete.
“Declaring a Significant Weather Event is a way to advise residents, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists that clearing snow and treating surfaces on roads, sidewalks and bike lanes can be expected to be delayed compared to typical levels of service, due to the potential severity of the approaching storm,” said John Czerniawski, Manager, Public Works Operations.
City of Peterborough Public Works staff are tracking weather radar and preparing operations according to forecasts indicating snowfall between 15 and 30 cm overnight on Wednesday, with peak snowfall rates of two to four cm per hour and high wind gusts. Crews are also monitoring a second winter storm system expected on the weekend.
The City is prepared to deploy the full complement of 18 plow trucks, 11 sidewalk plows, two graders, 7 loaders and backhoes and four light sanding units, with winter abrasives and de-icers stocked and staff ready to be deployed.
Crews will focus on arterial and collector roads first, with residential streets, sidewalks and trails to be addressed as resources and conditions allow. Work will continue until the City’s 978 kilometres of roads, 450 km of sidewalks, 39 kilometres of trails and 650 bus stops are cleared. When snow clearing operations on roads, sidewalks, trails and bus stops are complete, snow removal will begin at 250 locations including cul de sacs, dead ends and wide corners. Residents are reminded that there may be delays to this work based on available resources.
Municipalities can declare a Significant Weather Event under the Municipal Act, 2001, O. Reg. 239/02, relating to maintaining municipal roads, sidewalks and bike lanes. 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 avoid unnecessary travel and to adjust their driving based on the conditions. Visibility may be reduced.
Go slow
Watch for taillights ahead
Be prepared to stop
