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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