Central Elgin is Winter Ready

As colder temperatures approach, Central Elgin’s maintenance crews are getting ready for winter. Snowplows and other winter maintenance equipment have been serviced and inspected to ensure they’re ready to tackle snow and ice.

Throughout the winter season, Central Elgin crews work to keep residents safe and roads and sidewalks clear. The Municipality is responsible for winter maintenance on local roads, on-street bike lanes, sidewalks and pedestrian crossings.

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.

Residents are asked to move basketball nets and sports equipment away from the roadway. Giving our snowplows extra space helps them operate safely and prevents damage to your property or municipal equipment.

Overnight Street Parking Restriction Begins November 15 

Effective Sunday, November 15, personal vehicle parking is restricted on municipal streets between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. This helps 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

Seasonal Traffic Calming Measures Removed for Winter

Seasonal measures including speed bumps, speed humps and delineators will be removed to accommodate snow removal and other winter maintenance operations. 

As these measures are removed the Municipality reminds all road users that road safety is a shared responsibility. Please do your part by obeying posted speed limits, staying alert and watching out for others to help keep Central Elgin’s roads safe for everyone.

Winterize Your Emergency Kits

Canadian winters can be unpredictable, being prepared helps ensure you and your family stay safe. 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. 

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

Stay Informed 

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

• Like Municipality of Central Elgin on Facebook
• Follow Central Elgin on Instagram at @muncentralelgin
• Bookmark centralelgin.org