Declaration of Significant Weather Event - December 5, 2024

The Township of Southwold has declared December 5, 2024, a significant weather event, due to high winds, heavy snowfall, and blizzard conditions as defined within the O. Reg. 239/02 Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways.

 

As per the Ontario Municipal Act, a municipality may declare a significant weather event when weather hazard, either forecast or occurring, has the potential to pose a significant danger to users of the roadways in which they have authority. This declaration suspends the standard timelines required for municipalities to meet their winter maintenance objectives.

 

Environment Canada are advising all to postpone any non-essential travel until conditions improve. During the significant weather event, motorists, pedestrians, and residents are advised to use extra caution as the municipality may not be able to meet its maintenance standards for roads, sidewalks and bike lanes due to high winds and heavy snowfall.

 

The declaration will not change how or when the Municipality performs its winter maintenance operations. However, it may take longer than usual to bring roads, sidewalks and bike lanes back to a state of repair. Snow removal priority will be given to arterial and collector roads.

 

Public safety is the Township of Southwold's top priority.