Lakeshore Calls on Residents to Move Vehicles for Snow Clearing

By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter

With more wintry weather in the forecast, the Municipality of Lakeshore is asking residents to assist with snow clearing efforts.

Community members are urged to move parked cars off local roads wherever possible. Parked vehicles can impede snow clearing or extend the time needed to clear roads, particularly on cul-de-sacs and near curb extensions. Vehicles that obstruct snow clearing may be towed at the owner’s expense.

Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for the region, with up to 15 centimetres of snow expected, along with the potential for freezing rain and ice buildup.

“Moving cars from roadways makes a world of difference to our snowplow operators,” said Jeff Wilson, Division Leader of Public Works. “Streets without parked cars are cleared more efficiently, which allows our operators to move on to other roads.”

During and after significant snowfalls, residents should also:

Refrain from shovelling snow onto roads.
Keep garbage and recycling bins off roads.
Maintain a safe driving distance from snowplows and service vehicles.
Ensure children stay away from snowbanks and mounded snow until snow clearing operations are complete.

During winter storm events, snow clearing operations will focus first on priority routes. Secondary roads, such as those within subdivisions, will be cleared as quickly as possible after priority routes. For more information on road classifications, visit Lakeshore.ca/SnowSafety.

“We’d also ask for patience from the community as we deal with significant snowfall events,” added Wilson. “Our crews will work hard to get to your road as soon as possible, but priority is given to the most-travelled and emergency routes.”

Local drivers should allow for extra time for commuting and necessary trips, and always drive according to current road conditions. High winds may cause reduced visibility and drifting snow in some areas.

Visitors to Lakeshore’s facilities and recreation centres should exercise caution, as snow accumulation is expected in parking lots.

For the most up-to-date weather alerts and travel warnings, please tune into your local TV or radio station, or visit the Government of Canada’s Weather Alerts page.