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WINTER OPERATIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Municipality of Red Lake prepare for winter weather?
The Municipality has a winter operations plan that includes defined plow routes for snow
plowing removal, road sanding, and other measures to ensure safety during winter
conditions.
My road still has not been plowed? Why is it taking so long?
During a snow fall, roadways are plowed in accordance with priorities as well as
established plow routes. The first priority is to ensure all main roads are clear as well as
school bus routes. This means that plows may not be able to immediately clear less-
traveled roads.
During a snowfall event which lasts less than a single day, plows will go out near the end
of snow fall event to clear and sand roads.
During snow events that last multiple days, plows may be out several times to clear
accumulated snow and sand the road. Once the snow fall event has completed, a final
clean up will be done, typically early morning.
Why does the plow fill in the end of my driveway?
Snow plows clear roads from the center of the road to the right shoulder - leaving snow
across private driveways. Unfortunately, this cannot be prevented and it must be
understood the shoulder area is designed for snow storage from the traveled portion of
the roadway.
Will anything be done about the high snow banks along my road?
The Municipality will work to push back/cut down the snow banks along roads. The
Municipality will begin to push back/cut down snow banks when the banks cause sight
line issues and snow storage becomes a concern.
Snow banks located along Hwy 105 and Hwy 618 are the responsibility of MTO and
MTO's snow plow contractor.
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Why does the Municipality plow during the early morning?
Depending on how much snow falls, the Municipality may have to plow early morning. Not only is
this a safe and more efficient time as there is little road traffic, but it also ensures that the roads are
ready for the morning school busses and residents getting to work.
Why are snow plows and sanders out on the roads when it is not snowing?
Residents may see Municipal Operators out when it's not snowing. The Municipality proactively
sands the roads during expected weather conditions. In other cases, plows are sent out to address
areas of concern that may have hills or curves. With safety in mind, it is in the best interest of the
Municipality and the general public to have these areas treated prior to ice formation.
Are there any restrictions during winter weather, such as parking bans?
Yes, to enhance the efficiency of snow removal on municipal roads and properties, it is prohibited
for individuals to park vehicles on roadways between 12:00 am and 7:00 am (Cochenour Townsite
exempt). This restriction is in effect at any time from November 1st of each year until April 30th of the
following year.
It is also prohibited for residents to leave any items on municipal roads, laneways and sidewalks that
would interfere or obstruct snow removal, such as basketball nets, hockey nets, snowmachines,
trailers, etc.
How can residents help?
Residents can assist the Municipality in the winter by doing a few things to assist in snow clearing
operations:
- Become familiar with the Municipality's Snow and Ice By-Law.
- Even in Cochenour where there are no parking restrictions, if at all possible, it is important
for vehicles to be off road to allow plows to do their work.
- When shoveling or plowing snow from driveways, don't throw it on the road, sidewalk or
in neighbour's yards. Snow is to be piled on property owner's property only. This is to
ensure the safety of the road conditions and reduces the risk of damage to municipal
property, which includes equipment, roads and sidewalks.
- When clearing snow from driveways and sidewalks, please avoid piling snow on or around
fire hydrants. Keeping hydrants visible helps Red Lake Fire Rescue Service respond quickly
in an emergency.
- Consider assisting elderly or disabled neighbours by clearing snow for them.
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- Please do not push large volumes of snow into ditches. It can turn into ice and block
nearby culverts.
- When piling snow, take care not to block sightlines from driveways.
- Be mindful of neighbors. Do not pile snow so the Municipal plow will push it away from your
entrance and fill in neighbor's entrances.
- Property owners are responsible for clearing windrows from the end of their driveway.
- Teach children not to play in snow banks at edge of road, snow piles at the end of roads or
any other area where snow removal takes place.
- Make sure house numbers are visible.
- Please be mindful when approaching a plow from the opposite direction, please slow down
and give the plow right of way.
- When meeting snow clearing equipment at an intersection please keep a distance away
from the equipment as they must back up to make several passes to clear the larger area
of an intersection.
- Keep a distance from snow clearing equipment. If the operator cannot be seen from the
equipment's side mirrors, then the equipment operator cannot see the vehicle behind it. Snow
clearing equipment has limited visibility, especially on the passenger side and directly at the
back of the equipment.
- Do not overtake (pass) snow clearing equipment from behind, be patient allow the operator
to do their job. Some equipment is equipped with a large front plow and a large wing which
limits the ability of the equipment to maneuver. Passing equipment from behind creates a
dangerous situation for the vehicle passing and the operator of the equipment.
- Residents are encouraged to have winter tires, keep driveways clear, and be aware of
weather forecasts for timely preparation.
- Residents are encouraged to sign up to receive Alerts for Road Closures at
www.alert.redlake.ca.
If you have any questions, please contact:
- Municipal Office 807-735-2096
- Public Works Garage 807-727-2597
PLEASE DRIVE SAFE!