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Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 1 of 33
P a g e | 1
Purpose
This Winter Maintenance policy sets out procedural framework for ensuring that the Township of Horton
continuously improves on the safe and sustainable delivery of winter maintenance services and the effective and
efficient use of road salt in our winter maintenance operations. This plan supersedes all previous plans for the
Township of Horton.
The plan is meant to be dynamic, to allow the municipality to evaluate and phase-in any changes, new
approaches and technologies in winter maintenance activities in a fiscally sound manner. At the same time, any
modifications to municipal winter maintenance activities must ensure that roadway safety is not compromised.
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 2 of 33
P a g e | 2
CONTENTS
Purpose .....................................................................................................................................................................1
Definitions .................................................................................................................................................................4
1.
Objective of Winter Maintenance and Salt Management .............................................................................6
2.
Policy Statement ........................................................................................................................................6
3.
Overview of the Township of Horton ...........................................................................................................7
4.
Winter Maintenance Program .....................................................................................................................8
5.
Road Category and Priority Index ................................................................................................................8
6.
Level of Service ...........................................................................................................................................9
7.
Accumulation Tables ................................................................................................................................. 12
Snow .................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Ice ........................................................................................................................................................................ 12
8.
Sidewalk Responsibility ............................................................................................................................ 12
9.
Winter Maintenance of Private Property ................................................................................................... 13
10.
Winter Maintenance Season .................................................................................................................... 13
11.
Winter Patrolling ..................................................................................................................................... 13
12.
Patrolled Roads Map ................................................................................................................................ 14
13.
Winter Preparations................................................................................................................................. 15
14.
One Month Prior to the Winter Season ..................................................................................................... 16
15.
Two Weeks Prior to the Winter Season ..................................................................................................... 16
16.
Two Weeks After the Winter Season Ends ................................................................................................ 16
17.
One Month After the Winter Season Ends ................................................................................................ 16
18.
Staffing and Hours of Work ...................................................................................................................... 17
19.
Key Responsibilities ................................................................................................................................. 18
20.
Training ................................................................................................................................................... 19
21.
AVL Equipment and Application Settings .................................................................................................. 20
22.
Average Winter Material Used Annually ................................................................................................... 21
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 3 of 33
P a g e | 3
23.
Application Rates for 3% to 5% Salt to Sand Mixture ................................................................................. 21
24.
Application Rates for 6% to 10% Salt to Sand Mixture "Sweet Mix" ........................................................... 21
25.
Equipment - Winter Maintenance Routes ................................................................................................. 22
26.
Plow Route A Map - CV 515 .................................................................................................................... 23
27.
Plow Route B Map - Freightliner ............................................................................................................... 24
28.
Plow Route C Map - Western Star ............................................................................................................ 25
29.
Parking Lots ............................................................................................................................................. 26
Municipal Office and Fire Hall ............................................................................................................................ 26
Horton Community Center ................................................................................................................................. 26
Horton Municipal Boat Launch ........................................................................................................................... 26
30.
Technicians .............................................................................................................................................. 27
31.
Winter Maintenance Facilities .................................................................................................................. 27
32.
Facility Design and Logistics...................................................................................................................... 27
33.
Material Storage Details ........................................................................................................................... 28
34.
Equipment Storage Details ....................................................................................................................... 28
35.
Equipment Washing Details...................................................................................................................... 28
36.
Snow Removal and Disposal ..................................................................................................................... 28
37.
Salt Vulnerable Areas ............................................................................................................................... 29
Mitigation Measures .......................................................................................................................................... 29
38.
Weather Monitoring ................................................................................................................................ 30
39.
Communications ...................................................................................................................................... 30
40.
Declaring a Road Closure or Significant Weather Event S.O.P. ................................................................... 31
41.
Ending a Road Closure or Significant Weather Event S.O.P. ....................................................................... 31
42.
Significant Weather Event Declaration Template ...................................................................................... 32
43.
Termination of Significant Weather Event Template ................................................................................. 33
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 4 of 33
P a g e | 4
Definitions
AVL is an Automatic Vehicle Locating (AVL) system that the Township utilizes to track vehicle locations,
direction of travel, speed, plow functions, and material application rates. The Township utilizes ACE AVL
systems.
Continuous Winter Event Response is a response to a winter event with full deployment of manpower and
equipment that plow/salt/sand the entire system.
De-icing means the application of solids, liquids, pre-treated material to the road surface after the on-set of the
winter event.
Highway means a common and public highway, street, avenue, parkway, driveway, square, place, bridge,
viaduct or trestle, any part of which is intended for or used by the general public for the passage of vehicles and
includes the area between the lateral property lines thereof.
MMS is the Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways of Ontario, O. Reg 366/18 as
amended.
MTO means the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario.
MOU means Memorandum of Understanding.
Paved Road means a road with an asphalt surface, concrete surface, composite pavement, or Portland cement.
Pre-treat means the application of liquids (sodium chloride, calcium chloride, etc.) to dry salt or sand prior to
being loaded for storage or applied to the road surface.
Roads Superintendent is the person who is on duty at the time directing the snow/ice removal operations of
the Township of Horton.
Route is another term used for patrol routes.
Plow Route is a collection of road segments which during a winter storm will have the snow removed and
receive applications of a salt and sand mixture to provide a temporary increase in grip. The level of service
on such routes may or may not have a bare road platform as a service goal.
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 5 of 33
P a g e | 5
Significant Weather Event as per the Ontario Municipal Act, a municipality may declare a significant
weather event when a weather hazard, either forecasted or occurring, has the potential to pose a significant
danger to users of the highways (roadways) in which they have authority over.
S.O.P means Standard Operating Procedure.
Spot Winter Event Response is a response to a winter event with only a partial deployment of manpower
and equipment or with full deployment to only part of the system.
Surface Treated Road is road with bituminous surface treatment comprised of one or two applications of
asphalt emulsion and stone chips over a gravel road.
Unpaved Road is a graded road with a gravel, stone or other loose traveling surface.
Winter Event is a weather condition affecting roads such as snowfall, windblown snow, freezing rain, frost
or ice to which, a winter event response is required.
Winter Event Response is a series of winter control activities performed in response to a winter event.
Winter Event Response Hours are the total number of person-hours per year (plowing, salting/sanding,
winging back, etc.) to respond to winter events.
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 6 of 33
P a g e | 6
1. Objective of Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
The Township of Horton is committed to providing safe and sustainable winter maintenance operations while
continuing to improve those operations to provide safety and mobility for the traveling public. As an integral
part of this effort the Township of Horton will strive to optimize the use of all winter maintenance materials as
they pursue the goal of a safe and sustainable transportation system.
The Township of Horton's Public Works staff will strive, as reasonably practicable, to provide safe winter road
conditions for vehicular and pedestrian traffic as set out in the level of service policies and within the resources
established by the Council of the Township of Horton.
2. Policy Statement
The Township of Horton will conduct safe and sustainable snow removal to ensure the safety and mobility of
users of the municipal road network, as reasonably practicable, in keeping with applicable Provincial legislation
and accepted standards while striving to minimize adverse impacts to the environment. These commitments will
be met by:
a) Adhering to the procedures contained within the Winter Maintenance Policy.
b) Reviewing and upgrading the Winter Maintenance Policy on an as needed basis to
incorporate new technologies and new developments.
c) Committing to ongoing winter maintenance staff training and education
d) Monitoring on an annual basis, the present conditions of the winter maintenance program,
as well as the effectiveness of the Winter Maintenance Policy.
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 7 of 33
P a g e | 7
3. Overview of the Township of Horton
Type of Organization: Municipal - Lower Tier
Estimated Population (2022 Consensus): 3182 Total Area: 158.0 Square kilometers
Street Address: Municipal Office
2253 Johnston Road, RR5
Renfrew, Ontario K7V 3Z8 Canada
Telephone: 613-432-6271
Website: https://www.hortontownship.ca/
CAO/Clerk: Hope Dillabough
Public Works Manager: Adam Knapp
Roads Superintendent: Rod Eady
Main Contact #: 613-432-6271
Emergency After Hours Contact #: 613-433-2527
By-Law: 613-281-3773 or e-mail [email protected]
Law Enforcement Agency: OPP -Renfrew Detachment
Contact Information: Central Operations Center 613-432-3211 or 911
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 8 of 33
P a g e | 8
4. Winter Maintenance Program
The major activities related to winter maintenance are:
a) Snow plowing (Per MMS)
b) Salt /sand application (Per MMS)
c) Snow removal (As needed)
d) Drift-control Snow fencing (Optional)
e) Landfill snow removal (Per operational needs)
f) Parking lot clearing at Municipal owned properties (Per operational needs)
The Township of Horton is responsible for winter maintenance on:
5. Road Category and Priority Index
Road Class
Surface Type
Type Length
(Lane Kilometers)
Total Length
(Lane Kilometers)
Class 3 through 6
Paved
69.2
180.4
Surface Treated
9.8
Gravel
101.4
Millennium Trail
Gravel
5.7
Sno Goers maintain per
MOU
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 9 of 33
P a g e | 9
6. Level of Service
The Township of Horton provides the following level of service during the winter maintenance season
in response to a winter event.
The standards listed below define the Townships procedure for addressing the applicable winter event.
1. Snow Accumulation
a) after becoming aware of the fact that the snow accumulation on a roadway is greater than
the depth set out in the table below this section, to deploy resources as soon as practicable
to address the snow accumulation; and
b) after the snow accumulation has ended, to address the snow accumulation so as to reduce
the snow to a depth less than or equal to the depth set out in the table below this section.
c) to provide a minimum lane width of the lesser of three meters for each lane or the actual
lane width, or
d) on a Class 4 or Class 5 highway with two lanes, to provide a total width of at least five
meters. O. Reg. 47/13, s. 4.
If the depth of snow accumulation on a roadway is less than or equal to the depth set out in the
table below the roadway is deemed to be in a state of repair with respect to snow accumulation.
O. Reg. 47/13, s. 4.
For the purposes of this section, the depth of snow accumulation on a roadway may be
determined in by a municipal employee whose duties or responsibilities include one or more of
the following:
a) Patrolling highways.
b) Performing highway maintenance activities.
c) Supervising staff who perform activities described in paragraph a) or b). O. Reg. 47/13, s.
4.
The depth of snow accumulation on a roadway and lane width may be determined by:
a) Performing an actual measurement;
b) Monitoring the weather; or
c) Performing a visual estimate. O. Reg. 47/13, s. 4.
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 10 of 33
P a g e | 10
For the purposes of this section, addressing snow accumulation on a roadway includes, but is not
limited to:
a) Plowing the roadway;
b) Salting the roadway;
c) The application of other chemical or organic agents to the roadway;
d) Applying abrasive materials to the roadway; or
e) Any combination of the methods described in clauses (a), (b), (b.1) and (c). O. Reg.
47/13, s. 4.
This section does not apply to that portion of the roadway designated for parking. O. Reg. 47/13,
s. 4.
If at any time a municipality declares a significant weather event, then all roadways within the
municipality are deemed to be in a state of repair in respect of any snow accumulation present,
until the applicable time under the table to this section expires following the end of the
declaration.
2. Ice Formation
The standard for attempting the prevention of ice formation on roadways is doing the following
in the 24-hour period preceding an alleged formation of ice on a roadway:
a) Monitor the weather in accordance with the MMS.
b) Patrol in accordance with the MMS.
If the municipality determines during weather monitoring and patrolling that there is a
substantial probability of ice forming on a roadway:
a) Treat the roadway to attempt to prevent ice formation within the time set out in the table
below this section, starting from the time that the municipality determines is the
appropriate time to deploy resources for that purpose. O. Reg. 47/13, s. 5.
If the municipality meets the standard set out in this policy, despite such compliance, ice forms
on a roadway, the roadway is deemed to be in a state of repair until the earlier of:
a) The time that the municipality becomes aware of the fact that the roadway is icy and can
mobilize in a practicably timely manner; or
b) The applicable time set out in the table below this section for treating the roadway to
prevent ice formation expires. O. Reg. 47/13, s. 5.
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 11 of 33
P a g e | 11
The standard for treating icy roadways after the municipality becomes aware of the fact that a
roadway is icy is to treat the icy roadway within the time set out in the table below this section,
and an icy roadway is deemed to be in a state of repair until the applicable time set out in the
table for treating the icy roadway expires. O. Reg. 47/13, s. 5.
For the purposes of this section, treating a roadway means applying material to the roadway,
including but not limited to, salt, sand or any combination of salt and sand. O. Reg. 47/13, s. 5.
If at any time a municipality declares a significant weather event, then all roadways within the
municipality are deemed to be in a state of repair in respect of any ice present, until the
applicable time under the table below this section expires following the end of the declared
weather emergency.
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 12 of 33
P a g e | 12
7. Accumulation Tables
Snow
Class of Highway
Depth
Time
1
N/A
N/A
2
N/A
N/A
3
8 cm
12 hours
4
8 cm
16 hours
5
10 cm
24 hours
6
10 cm
24 Hours
Ice
Class of Highway
Time
1
N/A
2
N/A
3
8 hours
4
12 hours
5
16 hours
6
24 Hours
8. Sidewalk Responsibility
The Township of Horton has no sidewalks within its boundaries and does not maintain or accept responsibility
for any privately owned walkways.
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 13 of 33
P a g e | 13
9. Winter Maintenance of Private Property
Private properties are the responsibility of the respective owners.
10. Winter Maintenance Season
For winter maintenance purposes, the Township of Horton assumes the winter season commences on October
1st and is completed by April 30th, while acknowledging that winter events may occur outside of this timeframe.
11. Winter Patrolling
During the winter maintenance season, the Township of Horton shall carry out winter patrols as per the MMS.
Between winter events, a patrol of representative roads will occur during daylight hours and a second night
patrol may also be scheduled, if practicable. The purpose of the patrol is to monitor and record weather and road
conditions and mobilize winter maintenance operators and equipment should a winter event be observed, and a
winter event response is required. On the approach of a winter event or during a winter event the patrol and
plow routes of representative roads may be modified per priority of class as listed in this policy, or as
reasonably practicable, depending on the type and severity of winter event or the direction from which the storm
approaches. The patrol person will be familiar with local conditions in their patrol area and may prepare a
condition log of road and weather conditions as well as any actions taken during the shift. The winter patrol
schedule parallels the designated winter season.
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 14 of 33
P a g e | 14
12. Patrolled Roads Map
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 15 of 33
P a g e | 15
13. Winter Preparations
In the months prior to the start of the winter maintenance season, as identified in this policy, the Township of
Horton undertakes the following tasks to prepare for the upcoming winter season.
Prior to the winter season, the Township shall prepare and call tenders for the supply of materials (salt, sand)
wear parts (for plowing equipment) calibrate and document rates of spread for all material spreading
equipment.
At a practicable time prior to the beginning of the winter season the Township of Horton shall:
a) Conduct a training session for staff and contract operators where all policies, procedures,
schedules, reporting procedures for callout, route maps, equipment training and safety
precautions will be discussed. Any issues resulting from the meeting with regard to the
policies, procedures, schedules, reporting procedures for callout, route maps, equipment
training and safety precautions shall be resolved either at the meeting or prior to the
winter season.
b) Train winter patrollers (or staff whose duties also include patrolling) on the route of
representative roads to be patrolled, their duties during a winter event, record keeping
requirements, callout procedures and specific material application rates and types for
individual weather conditions.
c) Inspect equipment to ensure proper working order. Schedule and complete any and all
equipment repairs.
d) Arrange for the delivery of materials (salt, sand) and begin filling storage facilities, a
minimum of 500 tonnes of premixed sand and 30 tonnes of salt should be in storage by
October 1st .
e) A minimum of 3000 tonnes of premixed sand and 30 tonnes of salt should be in storage by
November 1st.
f) Confirm that all guiderails, catch basin, hazard and fire hydrant markers, steep hill, sharp
curve ahead warning signs, bridges ices sign, if any, are in place. Any missing markers
should be replaced prior to the winter season.
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 16 of 33
P a g e | 16
14. One Month Prior to the Winter Season
One month prior to the winter season the Township of Horton shall:
a) Assign equipment to staff.
b) Allow operators time to familiarize themselves with any new equipment, material
application rates, and their route (driving the route and noting obstacles along the route, if
necessary).
c) commission all winter maintenance equipment. Test and calibrate equipment if
practicable.
d) Upon the forecast of an approaching winter event have sufficient staff available to
operate the fleet if conditions warrant a winter event response.
15. Two Weeks Prior to the Winter Season
Two weeks prior to the winter season the Township of Horton shall:
a) Have 100 % of the fleet ready, tested and calibrated to respond to a winter event.
b) Have staff available to operate the required complement of the fleet if conditions warrant
a winter event response.
16. Two Weeks After the Winter Season Ends
Two weeks after the winter season ends:
a) Continue monitoring and recording weather forecasts.
b) Do not decommission any equipment.
17. One Month After the Winter Season Ends
One month after the winter season ends and no weather events for 2 weeks:
a) Cease all winter highway maintenance operations.
b) Decommission all winter maintenance equipment.
c) Begin preparations for construction season
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 17 of 33
P a g e | 17
18. Staffing and Hours of Work
The Township of Horton has full-time employee assigned to each vehicle used for winter operations.
Each vehicle is assigned a route for sanding/salting and/or plowing.
The Township of Horton adheres to the hours of service as dictated by Highway Traffic Safety Act, Reg.
555/06 (Ontario, Canada).
Employee
Job Title
Reports to
Facility
Assigned Equipment
Adam Knapp
Public Works
Manager
Horton Public
Works Yard
Administrative Response
Rod Eady
Public Works
Superintendent
Horton Public
Works Yard
One tonne GMC
Plow and Patrol Vehicle
Dustin
Howard
Lead Hand
Horton Public
Works Yard
3 tonne CV 515
Plow and Sanding Unit
Dave Radke
Technician /
Operator
Horton Public
Works Yard
Freightliner
Tandem Plow Truck
Peter Storie
Operator
Horton Public
Works Yard
Western Star
Tandem Plow Truck
In the event of staffing modifications this table may be revised by the CAO/Clerk or Public Works
Manager without bringing the policy back to Council for consideration.
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 18 of 33
P a g e | 18
19. Key Responsibilities
Some of the key responsibilities associated with the management and overseeing of winter operations
for this winter season are as below:
a) The Public Works Manager will receive issues and concerns of the citizens regarding
snow and ice control efforts.
b) The Public Works Manager will ensure media releases are sent to local news and radio
stations advising of road closures and significant weather events.
c) The Public Works Manager shall be the AVL system administrator.
d) The Public Works Superintendent shall observe and document the weather and actions
taken in compliance with the MMS.
e) The Public Works Superintendent shall be responsible for making operational decisions
pertaining to weather event responses.
f) The Public Works Superintendent shall be the authority to which the field staff
communicate the field conditions too.
g) The Public Works Superintendent shall communicate the severity of those conditions to
the Public Works Manager to evaluate the need to declare a significant weather event.
h) The Public Works Superintendent shall be responsible for call-ins, as necessary.
i) The Public Works Superintendent shall (when physically possible) be responsible or
delegate responsibility for providing appropriate signage and/or barricades in case a road
has to be closed due to a severe winter storm.
j) The Lead Hand shall be second in command of the Public Works Superintendent and
shall perform all duties assigned to the Public Works Superintendent in his absence or
inability.
k) The Lead Hand shall communicate all critical decisions necessary to the PublicWorks
Manager when performing the Public Works Superintendents duties.
l) The Operator/ Technician shall perform all AVL equipment installations, calibrations and
maintenance and shall work with the Public Works Manager to ensure that all AVL
systems are operating as designed for the winter maintenance season.
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 19 of 33
P a g e | 19
20. Training
The Township of Horton provides winter operations training for all staff involved in the delivery of winter
services.
Staff is trained through numerous organizations including but not limited to:
a) Association of Ontario Road Supervisors
b) Ontario Good Roads Association
c) Renfrew County Roads Supervisors Association
d) Public Services Health and Safety Association
e) Advanced Consulting
f) Infrastructure Health and Safety Association
g) Safety Hub
h) The County of Renfrew
i) Canadian Red Cross
j) Ground Force
Current winter operations training for staff include but is not limited to:
a) Equipment Circle Check
b) Equipment Calibration
c) Record Keeping
d) Health and Safety
e) Level of Service - policies, practices and procedures
f) Identification of Plow Routes - including variations from year to year and issues
identified along the route
g) Equipment Operation and Maintenance
h) WHMIS
i) First Aid and CPR
j) Spreader Usage, Application Rates, and Material Mixing
k) Tire Chaining
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 20 of 33
P a g e | 20
21. AVL Equipment and Application Settings
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 21 of 33
P a g e | 21
22. Average Winter Material Used Annually
Primary Solid
Material
Supplier
Minimum Stocked Piled
Quantity per Season
Stockpiled Premixed Salt %
Winter Sand per
OPSS 1004
Yearly Tender
3000 to 3300 tonnes
3% to 5%
The mixture of salt to sand is by the bucket method where a senior staff member adds a specified amount of
excavator bucket scoops, to attain the premixed salt percentages aforementioned, on top of the sand while in the
transport vehicle prior to being dumped, stacked, and piled into the sand dome.
23. Application Rates for 3% to 5% Salt to Sand Mixture
24. Application Rates for 6% to 10% Salt to Sand Mixture "Sweet Mix"
This mixture is typically applied only to hard top roads and is only applied to gravel roads and vulnerable areas
when significant freezing rain events occur.
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 22 of 33
P a g e | 22
25. Equipment - Winter Maintenance Routes
VEHICLE NAME and UNIT
NUMBER
VEHICLE TYPE
ASSOCIATED ROUTES
OPERATOR
International
Unit #22
Single Axle
Plow Route A
Dustin Howard
Freightliner
Unit #24
Tandem Axle
Plow Route B
Dave Radke
Western Star
Unit # 24
Tandem Axle
Plow Route C
Peter Storie
GMC
Unit #21
Single Axle
Parking lots and
intersections clearing as
needed
Rod Eady
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 23 of 33
P a g e | 23
26. Plow Route A Map - CV 515
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 24 of 33
P a g e | 24
27. Plow Route B Map - Freightliner
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 25 of 33
P a g e | 25
28. Plow Route C Map - Western Star
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 26 of 33
P a g e | 26
29. Parking Lots
The Township of Horton provides winter maintenance services to the listed parking lots below
Municipal Office and Fire Hall
Facility Address: 2253 Johnston Road,
RR5, Renfrew, Ontario
K7V 3Z8
Number of Parking Spots: 15
Horton Community Center
Facility Address: 1005 Castleford Road
Renfrew, Ontario
K7V 3Z8
Number of Parking Spots: Approximately 100
Horton Municipal Boat Launch
Facility Address: 3746 River Road
Renfrew Ontario
K7V 3Z8
Number of Parking Spots: Approximately 15
During operational hours of the facilities equipment will be dispatched to parking lots upon the accumulation of
five (5) centimeters of new snow. All efforts shall be made to remove accumulation of five (5) cm of new snow
prior to the beginning of operational hours when practicable. Plowing operations will remove snow down to a
smooth snow packed surface. Sand/salt mix will be added at the same time to increase traction for pedestrians
on icy/slippery areas and pure salt or a sand/salt mix shall be applied by hand at the access', egress', and
walkways of the facilities.
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 27 of 33
P a g e | 27
30. Technicians
The Township of Horton has:
a) One (1) unlicensed technician on staff.
b) All Public Works staff are trained on basic vehicle maintenance in house.
c) Multiple external contracted mechanic(s) available upon request.
d) Staff take all reasonable efforts to perform repairs in house to mitigate cost and down time.
31. Winter Maintenance Facilities
Horton Public Works Yard
Facility Type: Patrol Yard
Facility Address: Public Works Garage
2253 Johnston Road
RR5, Renfrew Ontario
K7V 3Z8
Facility Phone: 613-432-6271
Number of Front-end Loaders at facility: One (1) 2017 JCB Backhoe
Facility Built in 1976
32. Facility Design and Logistics
a) All materials are not handled in a designated area characterized by an impermeable surface.
b) Equipment is not in place to prevent overloading of trucks.
c) Systems are in place for collection and/or treatment of wastewater from cleaning of trucks.
d) Control and diversion of external waters (not impacted by salt) is in place.
e) Ongoing clean-up of the site surfaces and spilled material are cleaned up as quickly as
practicable.
f) Risk management and emergency measures plans are in place.
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 28 of 33
P a g e | 28
33. Material Storage Details
a) The storage of winter sand is in a MTO type sand dome with and approximate 3000 tonne
capacity and an impermeable floor.
b) The storage of salt is in a covered lean too with an approximate storage capacity of 120 tonnes
and does not have an impermeable floor.
c) Both buildings are located adjacent to one another to localize any potential contamination into
the ground and are equipped with lockable gates to inhibit public entry.
d) On occasion materials are stored outside these facilities and all practicable efforts are made to
cover them with a tarp.
34. Equipment Storage Details
All plowing equipment is stored indoors during the winter season. Outside storage is utilized for
seasonal construction equipment. The Township has a lean to and sand dome storage area for
construction supplies, stock signage, and wear parts, as well as an up stairs storage area in the main
garage for electronics and miscellaneous parts.
35. Equipment Washing Details
Equipment is washed on an as needed basis after material applications. Equipment is washed with an
industrial grade pressure sprayer with a diesel-powered water heating system. Every spring all fleet
vehicles and equipment are washed thoroughly with the Townships slip in water tank equipped with a 2"
fire hose sprayer and are then krown undercoated to prevent rusting and equipment damage. During this
thorough spring cleaning all equipment is inspected for damage and necessary repairs to prepare for the
upcoming construction season.
36. Snow Removal and Disposal
The Township of Horton does not have dedicated disposal site(s) in its jurisdiction and utilizes dead end turn
around areas if/when necessary. The Township only performs snow removal when high banking techniques are
not adequate to remove the snowbanks to a safe height at intersections to improve line of sight and safety.
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 29 of 33
P a g e | 29
37. Salt Vulnerable Areas
Certain locations within the area of jurisdiction of the Township of Horton have been identified as being
potentially vulnerable to the over-application of road salt. These areas are shown map below. Accordingly, salt
storage, snow disposal and material application in these areas will be strictly monitored and, in some cases, may
be restricted in a variety of ways.
The areas noted as vulnerable areas are known wetland areas that encroach into the Municipal Right-of-Way.
The Township makes all reasonable efforts to mitigate excess usage of salt in these areas.
Mitigation Measures
The Township applies the minimum materials specified to the roadways in these areas while limiting the salt
percentage in the material. Increased salt / sand ratio material "sweet mix" is only applied to these areas in
extreme freezing rain events.
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 30 of 33
P a g e | 30
38. Weather Monitoring
In order to determine an effective winter event response and allocate the appropriate resources the Township of
Horton supplements their general observations with weather information from various sources which includes:
Meteorological Services: Environment Canada - https://weather.gc.ca
Observations Techniques: Weather Monitoring per the MMS, M511 Stationary Cameras System, Visual by
Municipal Staff, Communication with staff of adjacent municipalities.
Weather Documentation per MMS: MESH Operational Management System by Go Evo.
39. Communications
Maintaining reliable internal communications is a critical component of winter operations. The Township of
Horton uses the following:
a) All winter maintenance vehicles are equipped with two-way communications radios.
b) All citizen issues concerning snow and ice control efforts will be routed to the Public
Works Manager.
c) The Public Works Manager shall determine the follow-up responses to citizen inquiries.
The municipality provides external communication with the general public via:
a) Information posted on the municipality's web site https://www.hortontownship.ca
b) The Township's Social Media Platforms
c) Municipal 511
d) Verbal Communication
e) Email
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 31 of 33
P a g e | 31
40. Declaring a Road Closure or Significant Weather Event S.O.P.
In the event a road must be closed, or a significant weather event declared due to a severe winter storm:
a) The Public Works Superintendent shall communicate the requirement to the Public Works
Manager.
b) The Public Works Manager shall evaluate the need and make the final decision to close road(s)
or declare a significant weather event and communicate that decision to the Superintendent.
c) The Public Works Manager shall release the road closure notice or significant weather event
notice utilizing the templates provided in this policy.
d) The decision shall be communicated to the CAO/ Clerk prior to closure and allowed time to
review and approve the release documents if practicable and they choose to do so.
e) The CAO/Clerk shall inform Council of the decision in a timely manner or assign a designate to
inform Council.
f) The notice shall be posted on M511 and include all members on the Horton Township closure
notification list.
g) The Townships secretary or designate shall post the release verbatim on the Townships website
and social media platforms.
41. Ending a Road Closure or Significant Weather Event S.O.P.
The procedure for ending a road closure or significant weather event is:
a) The Public Works Superintendent shall communicate that the closure or declaration is no longer
needed to the Public Works Manager.
b) The Public Works Manager shall evaluate and make the final decision to end the closure or
declaration and communicate that decision to the Superintendent.
c) The Public Works Manager shall end the road closure notice or significant weather event on the
Township's M511 platform.
d) The decision shall be communicated to the CAO/ Clerk and include all members on the Horton
Township closure notification list.
e) The CAO/Clerk shall inform Council of the decision in a timely manner or assign a designate to inform
Council.
f) The Townships secretary or designate shall post end notification on the Townships website and
social media platforms in as simple of wording as possible.
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 32 of 33
P a g e | 32
42. Significant Weather Event Declaration Template
The Township of Horton
Declaration of Significant Weather Event
Date: _______________________
Time: _______________________
After reviewing weather reports that the Township of Horton subscribes to and observing the current weather
conditions, the Township is declaring a significant weather event in the municipality, as defined within the
Minimum Maintenance Standards Regulation O.Reg..239/02.
A "significant weather event" means an approaching or occurring weather hazard with the potential to pose a
significant danger to users of the highways (roadways) within a municipality.
During the significant weather event, the Township of Horton is advising motorists and residents to use extra
caution as the municipality may not be able to meet its maintenance standards due to the extreme weather
conditions expected.
This declaration will not change how or when the municipality performs its winter maintenance operations.
However, it may take the municipality longer than usual to bring the roads back to a state of repair. Public
safety is the Municipality's top priority. The Township will continue to diligently monitor weather conditions
and notify the public when the significant weather event has ended
Please contact the Township office during regular business hours at 613-432-6271 or the Public Works
Superintendent at 613-433-2527 if you have serious concerns during this significant weather event.
Township of Horton Policy and Procedures
SECTION:
Transportation
POLICY #:
T-06
POLICY:
Winter Maintenance and Salt Management
DATE:
January 2023
By-law 2023-08
REV. DATE:
COVERAGE:
All Employees
PAGE #:
Page 33 of 33
P a g e | 33
43. Termination of Significant Weather Event Template
The Township of Horton
Termination of Significant Weather Event
Date: _______________________
Time: _______________________
After reviewing weather reports that the Township of Horton subscribes to and observing the current weather
conditions, the Township has declared the significant weather over within the municipality, as defined within
the Minimum Maintenance Standards O.Reg.239/02.
The Township is still advising its residents to use extreme caution when traveling as this declaration does not
imply the roads are in a full state of repair as per the minimum maintenance standards
Please contact the Township office during regular business hours at 613-432-6271 or the Public Works
Superintendent at 613-433-2527 if you have any concerns regarding this declaration.