Local communities declare a significant weather event

An individual removing snow with a snowblower on a snowy day is shown in this stock image. (File photo/Krasula/Shutterstock/Getty Images)

Local communities in Windsor-Essex are declaring significant weather events after the overnight snowfall. Here’s what you need to know.

Kingsville

• All roads and sidewalks maintained by the town are considered to be in a “state of repair”
• Drivers and pedestrians should use an appropriate level of caution when travelling during this event and avoid unnecessary travel if possible
• Crews continue to work diligently to ensure public safety, but maintaining roadways and sidewalks may take longer than normal

A street parking ban is also in place so the town can continue snow removal. Street parking is not allowed until directed otherwise by the Town of Kingsville. Cars parked on residential streets could be fined $35.

Alternate parking options are available here.

The town will provide any updates or changes to the significant weather declaration.

Tecumseh

Town roadways

• Snow removal takes time in heavy accumulation. Watch for plows and keep a safe distance.
• Residents must move their vehicles off of the street and allow for proper snow removal. Plowing around parked vehicles creates a windrow of snow and the more snow that falls, the bigger it gets. Windrows narrow the roads and prevent plows and emergency vehicles from getting through.
• Under the Highway Traffic Act, it’s illegal to leave vehicles parked on the streets when they impede snowplowing. It’s up to OPP whether to ticket, tow, or give a warning to drivers.
• On streets with no driveways, you are asked to move your vehicle after the first pass of the snowplow, so crews can properly clear the snow.

Sidewalks

Property owners are required under Town By-law 2016-16 to remove snow and ice from sidewalks in front of commercial buildings within four hours of snowfall or ice formation. Sidewalks in front of homes or residential buildings must be cleared within 12 hours of a snowfall.

Tecumseh Transit

Transit may have some weather-related delays. Users are asked to be patient.

Essex

Essex residents are asked to:

• Park vehicles off the street when possible and avoid parking vehicles on the sidewalk. This will allow for winter maintenance equipment to efficiently clear snow from roadways. Emergency service vehicles rely on clear roads to respond quickly.
• When clearing driveways and sidewalks, residents are asked to shovel snow onto lawns, not onto the road.
• Decorative items positioned near sidewalks and curbs should be flush with the ground and at least 12 inches from the edge of sidewalks and curbs. The town is not responsible for damage to decorative items in the road allowance.

Drivers are to expect delays, slippery conditions, and poor visibility. If you have to drive, go slow, follow at a safe distance, use gentle braking, steering, and acceleration. Road users should also keep a safe distance from snow clearing equipment and crews to let them complete their work safely and efficiently.

“We are closely monitoring the incoming snowstorm and taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and efficiency of our snow removal operations,” said Normal Nussio, manager of operations and drainage.

“The declaration of a significant weather event is essential due to the expected heavy snowfall and high potential for icy conditions. Residents can support our efforts by parking off the streets when possible and following the town’s snow removal guidelines.”

Lakeshore

Lakeshore has provided some safety tips for residents while the extreme weather is present.

Crews began salting roads on Wednesday night and will continue to maintain the roads into the weekend.

Residents should:

• Give yourself plenty of time for your commute and drive to road conditions
• Don’t shovel snow onto the roads
• Keep garbage and recycling bins off the road
• Maintain a safe driving distance from all snow plows and service vehicles
• Keep kids from playing on or around snowbanks and mounded snow until snow clearing operations are complete

“Like with any snow event, we are asking residents to help our crews by moving cars from roads,” said Jeff Wilson, manager of public works.

“Streets without parked cars can be cleared more efficiently, which means we can get to other roads quicker. We are also asking for patience. Our crews are working hard and will get to your road as soon as possible, but priority is given to the highest travelled roads and emergency routes.”