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As colder temperatures approach, Central Elgin’s maintenance crews have been hard at work preparing for the season. Snowplows and winter equipment have been serviced and tuned to ensure they’re ready for action.

Our teams are committed to keeping residents safe and moving during the winter months. The Municipality is responsible for clearing snow and ice from local roads, on-street bike lanes, sidewalks, and pedestrian crossings.

“Our priority is keeping Central Elgin residents safe and connected throughout the winter months,” says Mayor Andrew Sloan. “Central Elgin residents can feel confident knowing our crews are ready to respond efficiently to winter weather and maintain safe, accessible roads and public spaces.”

Winter Maintenance Operations

The Municipality follows provincial standards for snow removal. Snow clearing is prioritized to ensure safety and accessibility for residents and emergency services. The first areas prioritized for snow clearing are:

  • High-traffic routes: These roads carry a higher volume of cyclist and vehicle traffic.
  • Roads to vital destinations: Residents and emergency services use these roads to get to hospitals, schools and to travel in and out of the municipality

Plowing begins when snow accumulation reaches 5 cm and is carried out during normal working hours.

Sidewalk plowing generally begins after 8 cm of snow has fallen and the storm has passed. Sidewalks may also be treated with salt or sand as soon as equipment and staff are available, and during normal working hours.

Residents are encouraged to plan travel carefully during winter weather and allow extra time to reach destinations safely.

Winter Driving Safety: Sharing the Road with Snowplows

Residents are reminded to drive safely around snowplows. These large vehicles are essential for keeping roads clear, but they require extra space and caution. Follow these tips to stay safe:

  • Keep your distance: Stay well back to give plows room to operate
  • Stay visible: Snowplows have blind spots, make sure the driver can see your vehicle.
  • Don’t pass on the right: Snow is pushed to that side, making it dangerous to overtake.

Overnight Street Parking Restriction Begins November 15

Effective Saturday, November 15, personal vehicle parking will again be restricted on municipal streets between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. This helps to keep streets clear for slow plowing and safer for winter driving. Central Elgin offers Residential Overnight Parking Permits to residents to be exempt from the overnight parking ban during the winter months (subject to specified terms and limitations).

Learn more about Overnight Parking Permits and apply online: Parking - Municipality of Central Elgin

Winterize Your Emergency Kits

Prepare an emergency kit to keep your family safe and self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Store it in a backpack, duffel bag, or luggage so it’s easy to take with you if you need to evacuate and make sure every household member knows where it is.

In addition to your regular emergency supplies, winterize your kit with items like a shovel or sand, warm blankets or a sleeping bag, spare gloves, hat, socks, boots, snacks, and water. Check that everything is in working order and replace food, water, and batteries as needed. Canadian winters can be unpredictable, being prepared helps ensure you and your family stay safe.

Learn more about preparing for winter: Winter storms – Get prepared - Canada.ca

Stay Updated

Residents are encouraged to follow the Municipality of Central Elgin on social media and visit our website for snow clearing and winter related updates.