Winter Maintenance

Township Services Interior Right

Snow Plowing

The Township of Asphodel-Norwood maintains approximately 150 kilometres roads during winter operations.

During winter weather events, Public Works crews are responsible for:

Plowing and salting/sanding Township roads;
Snow removal of municipal parking lots; and;
Snow removal of village sidewalks.

Township roads are maintained in accordance with the Province of Ontario's Minimum Maintenance Standards (MMS) for Municipal Highways.

All municipal roads are divided into road classes based on traffic volumes and posted speed limits, as outlined in the MMS. Based on these classifications, Township roads range from classes 4 to 6 with class 4 roads being the highest priority, having the most vehicles travelled.

Our Public Works team consistently monitors weather reports throughout the winter to dispatch snowplows as needed to prevent and treat icy roadways, and to respond to snowfall accumulation within the timeframes below.

To learn more about how Township roads are maintained during snowfall, view our Winter Operations Infographic (229 KB).

Service Level Standards

Road Class	Depth of snow accumulation	Timeframe for clearing snow	Timeframe for treatment of icy roads
4	8 cm	Within 6-12 hours	12 hours
5 and 6	10 cm	Within 24 hours	16 hours

Class 4 roads are the highest priority having the most vehicles travelled, and Class 5 with minimal traffic volumes. There are several Class 6 roads within the Township, which the MMS does not address for winter maintenance. Class 6 roads are similar to Class 5 roads and the Public Works team strives to maintain these roads in a similar manner.

Note: The Service Level Standards chart indicates the minimum standards identified by the Ministry, but the Public Works team strives to exceed these timelines.

Road Class Maps

Road Class Map - Village of Norwood (241 KB)

Road Class Map - Township of Asphodel-Norwood (1.12 MB)

Significant Weather Event

A Significant Weather Event (SWE) is defined as an approaching or occurring weather hazard with the potential to pose a significant danger to users of the highways within a municipality.

Pursuant to Ontario Regulation (O. Reg.) 366/18 section 16.9; which amended to O. Reg. 239/02, the Township may declare a SWE to notify the public:

that due to the current weather conditions, caution is to be exercised when traveling on Townships streets, roads, and sidewalks; and
that it may take longer than usual to restore streets, roads, and sidewalks to the normal condition.

A declaration suspends the standard timeliness required for municipalities to meet their winter maintenance objectives until the municipality declares the SWE has ended. Once an SWE has ended standard timeliness will begin.

PROCESS

SWE Warning

Environment Canada issues a storm alert warning. Township staff will monitor the forecast and approaching weather conditions for the possibility of declaring a Significant Weather Event.

SWE Declared

If the Warning has not been cancelled, the Township declares a Significant Weather Event with respect to existing or potential hazardous storm conditions continuing until further notice.

All streets, roadways, and sidewalks maintained by the Township are considered to be in a “state of repair” until further notice.
Drivers and pedestrians should use an appropriate level of caution when traveling during this event and avoid unnecessary travel.
Crews continue to work diligently to ensure public safety, however it may take longer than normal to maintain the streets, roadways, and sidewalks. Cooperation is appreciated.
Garbage and Recycling collection services may be impacted during a SWE; it may take longer than usual to complete collection due to the storm. Residents are advised to be patient while collection contractors continue to collect. Please check the Township's communication channels for updates.

SWE Update

The Township will provide updates when changes occur.

Crews will continue to maintain Township streets, roads and sidewalks with all available resources in an effort to keep them clear and passible.
Visibility and road/sidewalk conditions within the Township may vary from fair to poor at times.
Motorists are encouraged to remain off the roads and drive only if necessary, with extreme caution.
Sidewalks normally maintained may be snow or ice covered. Pedestrians are encouraged to be mindful of these conditions while walking.

SWE Ended

The Significant Weather Event impacting the Township's streets, roadways, and sidewalks has ended. The Township will lift the SWE declaration, while encouraging residents to continue using caution as conditions may vary from area to area.

Plow Routes

The Township is broken into 3 standard plow routes and the village of Norwood so all roads in the municipality can be cleared in a timely manner if all plows are in operation.

The number of plows on duty depends on staff and equipment availability as well as road conditions. The standard plow routes are adjusted as required.

Weather depending, a second plow pass may be completed, limited to specific roads only. This second pass may cover all roads under exceptional conditions.

During a weather event, snow plow updates/delays will be communicated through the Township's website and social media channels.

Plow Route 1

Plow Route 2

Plow Route 3

Sidewalks

After snow accumulation has ended the standard is to reduce the snow to a depth less than or equal to 8 cm within 48 hours, and to provide a minimum sidewalk width of 1 m. The standard for treating icy sidewalks after the municipality has become aware of the fact that a sidewalk is icy, is to treat the icy sidewalk within 48 hours.

The Public Works team consistently monitors weather reports at least three (3) times per day, and/or continuously monitors weather conditions as required during a weather event. The team completes winter road patrols a minimum of every seven (7) days during the winter season, or during every winter event as required. Based on road conditions, the team dispatches snowplows as needed to treat icy roadways and to respond to snow accumulation within the timeframes set out the Service Level Standards chart above. Depending on snowfall, it takes 6-8 hours for one (1) operator with two (2) loads of sand to complete their route. Please be patient.

Current Weather Conditions

For current and up to date weather, visit the Government of Canada's Weather Information page.

Driving in the Snow

If travelling in inclement weather, remember to:

Clear all snow and ice from your car before driving
Drive slow – follow posted speed limits and give yourself extra travel time
Keep a safe space from other cars
Be patient when driving behind a snowplow – snowplows only drive a maximum of 30-40 km/hr but they are working to make your commute as safe as possible
Never attempt to pass a working snowplow
Be prepared in case of an emergency by making sure you have a car survival kit readily available

For more helpful tips and information about winter driving, visit the Transport Canada website.

Emergency Preparedness

In the event of an emergency, it may take time for emergency workers to get to you. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours.

Learn more by visiting our Emergency Preparedness page.

Outfit your Vehicle for the Weather

Equipping your vehicle with proper winter or all season tires is essential for maintaining control of your vehicle in winter driving conditions. For information on winter driving, please visit Canada Safety Council's website.

Snow Removal - Resident Reminder

Residents are reminded that pushing snow across a roadway into a ditch or boulevard can create hazards on the road for drivers and is strictly prohibited.

This practice contravenes Part X, Section 181 of the Highway Traffic Act and is subject to the following penalties:

Violation of Section 181 of the Highway Traffic Act is a fine of no less than $60.00 and not more than $1,000.00

Please help us in keeping our roadways clear and safe.

Winter Parking - Snow Removal

Section 3.2 - Snow removal

No person shall park a vehicle on any highway, parts of a highway or sides of highway marked by signs prohibiting its use for parking until snow thereon is removed. This section is to apply where any such highway is so marked for snow removal.

Section 3.6.8 - No person shall stop a vehicle in any of the following locations

On any highway in such a manner as to obstruct or impede the removal of snow from the highway between October 15^th and May 15^th, inclusive.

Section 4 - Seasonal parking prohibition

No person shall park any vehicle on any of the highways or roadways, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., between the 15^th day of October to the 15^th day of May, inclusive.

Section 8 - Removal of illegally parked vehicles

In addition to any other penalties prescribed herein a Police Officer, Police Cadet, Provincial Offences Officer, or a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer may cause a vehicle parked or left in contravention of this by-law to be moved or taken to and placed or stored in a licensed compound and all costs and charges for removing, care and storage, if any, are a a lien against the said vehicle which may be enforced in the manner provided by the Repair and Storage Liens Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chap. R25, as amended.

County Roads

Pursuant to Parking Regulation By-law No. 2023-26, overnight parking is prohibited on County Roads from the 15^th day of October to the 15^th day of May, inclusive, between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Vehicles can/will be ticketed or towed during this time.

Please refer to the County of Peterborough website for full information.

Please refer to the Township's Regulation of Traffic and Parking By-law No. 2017-05 (AMENDED) for full details.