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Winter Road Maintenance Policy
Policy No.: POL-T06-01
Schedule 'A' to By-Law No.
Adopted:
Schedule "A" to By-Law No. 2026-03
Winter Road Maintenance Policy
1 | P a g e
Contents
SECTION 1 - Purpose .................................................................................................................. 1
SECTION 2 - Scope ..................................................................................................................... 2
SECTION 3 - Definitions .............................................................................................................. 2
SECTION 4 - Service Level Commitment and Limitations .......................................................... 3
SECTION 5 - Regulatory Compliance .......................................................................................... 3
SECTION 6 - Policy Administration ............................................................................................. 4
SECTION 7 - Roles and Responsibilities ..................................................................................... 4
SECTION 8 - Procedures ............................................................................................................. 4
Patrolling ................................................................................................................................. 4
Snow Removal ......................................................................................................................... 5
Ice Formation Treatment .......................................................................................................... 5
Sidewalk Winter Maintenance ................................................................................................... 5
Significant Weather Events ....................................................................................................... 5
SECTION 9 - Record Keeping ...................................................................................................... 6
SECTION 10 - Compliance and Service Level Limitations .......................................................... 6
SECTION 11 - Review and Updates ............................................................................................. 6
SCHEDULE "A" - Winter Maintenance Operational Response Targets ...................................... 7
SECTION 1 - Purpose
The purpose of this Policy is to establish a clear, consistent, and defensible framework for the
winter maintenance of Class 5 and Class 6 municipal roads and sidewalks.
The objectives of this Policy are to:
-
Promote the safety and accessibility of municipal roads and sidewalks during winter
conditions
-
Reduce hazards associated with snow and ice accumulation
-
Support the orderly movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic
-
Ensure compliance with Ontario Regulation 239/02 - Minimum Maintenance Standards
(MMS)
-
Provide Council, staff, and the public with a transparent understanding of the municipality's
winter maintenance approach
Schedule "A" to By-Law No. 2026-03
Winter Road Maintenance Policy
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Through this Policy, the municipality seeks to balance enhanced service targets with responsible
resource management, recognizing that winter conditions in Northern Ontario can be variable and
severe.
SECTION 2 - Scope
This Policy applies to all municipal personnel involved in the winter maintenance of Class 5 and
Class 6 municipal roads and sidewalks within the municipality.
The Policy establishes the municipality's commitment, service objectives, and accountability
framework for winter maintenance activities, including but not limited to:
-
Road and sidewalk patrolling
-
Snow plowing and sanding operations
-
Sidewalk winter maintenance
-
Treatment of ice formation
-
Response to freeze-thaw cycles
-
Response to significant weather events
-
Record keeping and regulatory compliance
This Policy provides overarching direction to ensure winter maintenance activities are carried out in
a manner that prioritizes public safety, service consistency, and compliance with applicable
legislation, while recognizing the operational realities faced by the municipality.
Operational details, procedures, and role-specific responsibilities shall be set out in supporting
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and internal guidelines.
SECTION 3 - Definitions
For the purpose of this Policy, the following definitions apply:
Ice Formation: The development of ice on road and sidewalk surfaces due to freezing rain, melting
snow, or other weather conditions.
Patrol: Observing the conditions of a municipal highway or sidewalk by driving along the highway
(physical inspection) to check for hazards such as snow accumulation, ice formation, or other
conditions that could affect safety.
Road Classification: The classification of roads shall follow the criteria set out in Ontario
Regulation 239/02 - Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways, using the
Classification of Highways table. Roads are categorized based on average daily traffic volume (ADT)
and posted speed limit. All Municipal roads in TOSRF are classified as one of the following:
-
Class 5: ADT of 200-499 vehicles and posted speed limit of 50 km/h or less.
-
Class 6: ADT of fewer than 199 vehicles and posted speed limit of 50 km/h or less.
Schedule "A" to By-Law No. 2026-03
Winter Road Maintenance Policy
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Note:
This definition aligns with Ontario Regulation 239/02 - Minimum Maintenance Standards for
Municipal Highways, which requires highway classification to be based on average daily traffic
volume (ADT) and posted speed limit. Using these objective criteria ensures consistency with
provincial standards and avoids confusion that can arise from subjective factors such as road
function or perceived importance.
Significant Weather Event: An approaching or occurring weather hazard with the potential to pose
a significant danger to users of the highways within the municipality.
Snow Accumulation: Natural accumulation of newly fallen snow, wind-blown snow, or slush
covering more than half a lane width of a roadway.
Treated Winter Sand: ... A mixture of sand blended with approximately 5% sodium chloride (salt)
by weight. The added salt prevents the sand from freezing and enhances its ability to provide
traction on icy or snow-covered surfaces.
SECTION 4 - Service Level Commitment and Limitations
The municipality establishes and publicly identifies target service levels for winter maintenance
activities within this Winter Maintenance Policy, as endorsed by Council. These Levels of Service
targets reflect best practices, community expectations, and compliance with Ontario Regulation
239/02 - Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways. Operational procedures and
internal SOPs will support the implementation of these levels of service.
The municipality recognizes that external factors beyond its control - including severe or prolonged
weather events, equipment failures, staffing constraints, and emergency operational demands -
may affect the ability to achieve these targets at all times.
Service targets described in this section are subject to the limitations set out in Section 10 -
Compliance and Service Level Limitations of this Policy.
SECTION 5 - Regulatory Compliance
This Policy shall be implemented and interpreted in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001,
Ontario Regulation 239/02 (Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways), as
amended, and all other applicable provincial legislation, regulations, and municipal by-laws.
Nothing in this Policy shall be construed as creating a higher standard of care or legal duty than that
required under applicable legislation.
Schedule "A" to By-Law No. 2026-03
Winter Road Maintenance Policy
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SECTION 6 - Policy Administration
The Public Works Coordinator is responsible for the administration of this Policy, including ensuring
that appropriate Standard Operating Procedures are developed and maintained, overseeing
implementation and compliance, and reporting to senior administration and Council as required.
This Policy shall be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to reflect legislative changes,
operational experience, and Council direction.
SECTION 7 - Roles and Responsibilities
Public Works Coordinator: Oversees the implementation of winter road maintenance activities,
ensuring compliance with Ontario Regulation 239/02 (Minimum Maintenance Standards) while
striving to achieve the enhanced service levels approved by Council. This includes monitoring
patrol frequency, snow and ice response times, and coordinating available resources to support the
achievement of enhanced service targets where feasible.
Public Works Lead Hand: Monitors weather conditions and ensures winter patrols are conducted
in accordance with Ontario Regulation 239/02 - Minimum Maintenance Standards. In addition, as a
municipal best practice, conducts at least three weather forecast monitors and one documented
patrol per scheduled shift within a 24-hour period to verify roadway conditions. When weather
monitoring indicates a substantial probability of snow accumulation, ice formation, or icy
roadways, patrols shall be carried out on representative highways at intervals deemed necessary by
the municipality. During declared Significant Weather Events or adverse conditions, the Lead Hand
may increase patrol frequency (e.g., every 6-8 hours) or adjust intervals as required, including after-
hours coverage when possible.
Public Works Crew: Responsible for carrying out winter maintenance activities in accordance with
approved Standards Operating Procedures and direction from supervisory staff.
SECTION 8 - Procedures
(The procedures described in this section provide a high-level policy overview and are further
detailed in the municipality's Winter Maintenance Standard Operating Procedures.)
Winter maintenance activities are carried out between October 1 and April 30, recognizing that
conditions may require response outside this period.
Patrolling
Patrolling is conducted to monitor road and sidewalk conditions and identify hazards. At a
minimum, one patrol is intended to occur per shift, with additional monitoring undertaken when
weather conditions change significantly or where conditions warrant increased attention. During
winter storm events or declared Significant Weather Events, patrol frequency may be increased to
every six to eight hours, or other intervals deemed necessary, when feasible.
Schedule "A" to By-Law No. 2026-03
Winter Road Maintenance Policy
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Snow Removal
Snow removal operations are initiated when snow accumulation or slush resulting from thawing
cycles exceeds approximately six centimetres, unless otherwise directed. The municipality's
objective is to clear snow from municipal roads and sidewalks within twelve hours where feasible,
while minimizing disruptions to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Ice Formation Treatment
Ice formation treatment involves the application of treated winter sand or other approved abrasives
to improve traction. The municipality does not use road salt or other chemical agents for de-icing
or anti-icing due to environmental concerns, infrastructure preservation, and cost-effectiveness.
The municipality's target is to address ice formation within eight hours where feasible, with priority
given to higher-risk areas such as intersections, curves, hills, and pedestrian routes.
Sidewalk Winter Maintenance
Sidewalk winter maintenance is limited to designated routes determined by available equipment
and operational capacity. Sidewalks may be maintained using either a recreational trail vehicle
(RTV) or grader, depending on location and conditions, with routes established and maintained
through operational procedures.
Significant Weather Events
A Significant Weather Event (SWE) may be declared when the municipality determines that an
approaching or occurring weather hazard has the potential to pose a significant danger to users of
municipal highways. This determination will be based on Environment and Climate Change Canada
(ECCC) alerts, which use a colour-coded system:
-
Yellow - Weather hazard possible
-
Orange - Weather hazard expected
-
Red - Severe weather hazard imminent or occurring
Authority to Declare:
The authority to declare a Significant Weather Event rests with the Public Works Coordinator or
designate, based on ECCC alerts and local conditions.
Posting of Declaration:
When a Significant Weather Event is declared, the municipality shall post the declaration promptly
on:
-
The municipal website,
-
Official social media platform
-
Other communication platforms as appropriate (e.g. Voyent alerts).
End of Event:
The authorized person shall declare the end of the Significant Weather Event when, in their
discretion, the municipality can resume winter maintenance services that meet the requirements
of the tables in sections 4 and 5 and section 16 of the MMS.
Schedule "A" to By-Law No. 2026-03
Winter Road Maintenance Policy
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Operational Response:
During a declared Significant Weather Event, winter maintenance activities may be intensified,
subject to resource availability, with a focus on maintaining compliance with Ontario Regulation
239/02 - Minimum Maintenance Standards (MMS). Patrolling frequency may be increased, and
service priorities adjusted to address hazardous conditions.
SECTION 9 - Record Keeping
The municipality shall maintain records of winter maintenance activities, including weather
monitoring, patrols, snow removal, sanding, and responses to significant weather events. Records
shall document dates, times, locations, and actions taken and shall be retained in accordance with
municipal record-keeping requirements. Incidents or accidents related to winter conditions shall
also be documented where applicable.
SECTION 10 - Compliance and Service Level Limitations
Operational response times set out in Schedule "A" and in supporting Standard Operating
Procedures are targets only and do not constitute guaranteed service levels.
While this Policy establishes enhanced winter maintenance service targets, circumstances such as
severe or prolonged weather events, equipment failures, staffing constraints, or emergency
situations may affect the municipality's ability to meet these targets.
In all cases, the municipality shall maintain compliance with Ontario Regulation 239/02 - Minimum
Maintenance Standards as the baseline legal requirement. Nothing in this Policy shall be
interpreted as creating a higher standard of care or legal duty than that required under applicable
legislation.
SECTION 11 - Review and Updates
This Policy shall be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to reflect legislative changes,
operational experience, and Council direction.
Schedule "A" to By-Law No. 2026-03
Winter Road Maintenance Policy
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SCHEDULE "A" - Winter Maintenance Operational Response Targets
(Class 5 and Class 6 Municipal Roads and Sidewalks)
Activity
Target Response Time Notes
Routine
Patrolling
Once per shift (October
1 - April 30)
Once per shift. Patrol frequency may increase based
on changing conditions - see Weather Monitoring.
Weather
Monitoring
Three times per
calendar day
Monitor weather forecast at a minimum of three (3)
times per day and record activity
Additional
Patrolling
As conditions warrant
Conducted when weather conditions change
significantly or hazards are identified.
Snow Plowing -
Roads
Within 12 hours
Initiated when snow or slush accumulation exceeds
approximately 6 cm, where feasible.
Snow Clearing -
Sidewalks
Within 12 hours
Same trigger threshold as roads. Priority given to
higher-traffic pedestrian routes.
Ice Formation
Treatment
Within 8 hours
Application of treated winter sand or approved
abrasives. Priority given to intersections, curves, hills,
and pedestrian areas.
Significant
Weather Events
Patrol every 6-8 hours
or as deemed
necessary
Includes after-hours coverage where feasible, subject
to staffing and equipment availability.
Interpretation Note
The response targets set out in this Schedule represent operational objectives intended to enhance
winter maintenance service levels. The response targets are not intended to define or expand the
municipality's legal duty of care. Actual response times may be affected by weather severity,
equipment availability, staffing resources, and emergency conditions. Compliance with Ontario
Regulation 239/02 - Minimum Maintenance Standards shall remain the municipality's minimum
legal obligation at all times.