The City of Peterborough has declared a “significant weather event” after over 10 cm of snow fell on the city in a few hours on Friday afternoon (December 26).
Municipalities can declare a significant weather event under a regulation of the Municipal Act, which allows them to deem municipal roadways as being in a “state of repair” with respect to snow accumulation. The declaration is not a notice of a reduced level of service, but notifies residents that it may take longer than usual to clear the snow.
“Declaring a significant weather event is a way to advise residents, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists that clearing snow and treating surfaces on roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes can be expected to be delayed compared to typical levels of service, due to the potential severity of the storm,” says the city’s public works operations manager John Czerniawski in a media release.
The city’s public work crews deploy 18 plow trucks, 11 sidewalk plows, two graders, seven loaders and backhoes, and four light sanding units with winter abrasives and de-icers to clear and treat 1,028 kilometres of roads, 412 kilometres of sidewalks, 44 kilometres of trails, 29 municipal parking lots, and 650 bus stops.
The city says its snow clearing operations will focus on arterial and collector roads first, with residential streets, sidewalks, and trails to be addressed as resources and conditions allow. Snow removal will then begin at 250 additional locations including cul de sacs, dead ends, and wide corners.
“Residents are reminded that there may be delays to this work based on available resources,” the media release states. “Road users and pedestrians are asked to leave crews the space they need to safely and effectively clean city streets, sidewalks, and trails.
The city is asking motorists to avoid unnecessary travel and to adjust driving based on the conditions. While parking is prohibited on all city streets from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. every night during the winter, the city is also asking residents not to park on city streets at other times for the duration of the storm to allow for effective snow clearing.
The city adds that Peterborough Transit may adjust service, including the use of designated snow routes, in response to weather conditions. Updates on transit service will be posted at @Ptbo_Transit or customers can call 705-745-0525 for current service information.
The city is also advising that, due to the snowfall, the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre will be opening at 8 a.m. instead of 6 a.m. on Saturday (December 27). Community arenas will also be opening at 8 a.m. Other city facilities are expected to open as scheduled on Saturday.
