Winter 2024: Snowplow operations in Kawartha Lakes
With snow in the forecast, winter is right around the corner in Kawartha Lakes. Here’s what you need to know about our winter road operations this season:
Snowplow operations
Did you know that Kawartha Lakes is the second largest geographic municipality in Ontario? Since we’re so big, we have more than 5,400 lane kilometres of road to service every winter weather event. That’s equal to driving to Florida and back every storm.
We have over 70 snowplow routes throughout Kawartha Lakes. Snowplow operations typically begin at 4am and plow routes can take as long as ten hours to complete.
Snowplow operators each have a route they are assigned to clear. So if you see a snowplow driving with its plow up, or not applying sand to the road, that means its travelling to or from its designated route. Snowplows often need to travel other roads to reach their assigned routes.
Snowplow operators’ driving hours are regulated; there are limits to the number of hours they can drive in any given day. That’s part of the reason why significant weather events, involving heavy snowfall and/or blowing snow, can take a little longer to clear the roads.
Please do not attempt to pass a working snowplow. It’s a needless risk that could put yourself, other drivers on the road and the snowplow operator in danger.
Please do not follow too close behind snowplows and be sure to increase your following distance for all vehicles during winter weather.
Please increase your stopping distance for stop signs and traffic lights and reduce your speed around corners and curves.
Any snow clearing concerns, including missed roads or damage caused by snowplows, can be reported using our online Report It tool or by calling our Customer Service team at 705-324-9411.
And finally, please keep in mind that our snowplow operators are human beings. While we’re asleep in our warm and cozy beds, they’re out clearing the roads so that you can drive safe on your morning commute. While we recognize it can be frustrating when roads aren’t cleared immediately, please be assured that if there’s snow/ice/freezing rain on the roads, our snowplow operators are out there doing their best to clear the roads for you.
Keeping informed
You can monitor the weather and extreme cold alerts yourself by following your local weather forecast provider. Weather alerts can be found on the Environment Canada website and their WeatherCAN app.
Should a significant winter weather event occur emergency notices, road closures or restrictions will be added to Municipal511. If residents must drive in these conditions, they’re encouraged to visit the Municipal511 website prior to embarking, just to be sure your route is clear.
Kawartha Lakes recommends that all residents have a winter driving survival kit in their vehicle in case they get stuck in the snow. Visit the Tips for safe winter driving section on our Snowplowing and Winter Maintenance page for a full list of what your winter driving survival kit should include.
