Follow some simple snowfall safety rules
A political point of view
By Brian Jackson Mayorof Innisfil

Mayor Brian Jackson

As we dig out from another major snowfall, the community's attention is inevitably focused on our transportation network. The town maintains our local roads with the ultimate goal of providing safe, drivable road conditions efficiently with as little impact on the environment as possible. To date, the town has experienced over 110 winter events accounting for over 300 centimetres of snowfall, making it a challenge for our available resources.

Priority plowing: To maximize safety and efficiency, Innisfil employs a priority process. Areas with high traffic volumes, business areas, and school zones are plowed first and sanded with services available 24 hours a day, seven days per week, followed by the less frequently travelled residential areas, which are sanded at stop signs, hills, curves, and shaded areas. Plus, service crews patrol the roads to monitor winter conditions.

Efficient and effective salting: When it comes to salting the roads, Innisfil applies materials that not only keep our roads in drivable condition, but also minimize salt usage, and consequently the impact on the environment. Agents such as liquid calcium and a combination sand/salt/calcium mix are used on the roads prior to and during heavy snowfalls, frost, or black ice.

Road Condition Technology: Thanks to electronic informational systems, Innisfil can determine the most efficient and effective strategies to take in winter control operations. At the same time, trucks are equipped with Electronic Spreader Controls (ESC) to help vehicle operators save on salt/sand usage by allowing them to control the amount dispersed, based on the vehicle's speed. Also, onboard temperature probes monitor air and pavement temperatures to assist drivers in the application of products.

Winter Safety Precautions: In the winter, children should not play in roadside snow banks or snow piles in the centre of cul-de-sacs, as it is difficult for the plow operators to see them if they are tunneling or hidden. Please take care when passing or travelling behind snowplows, as visibility is a concern and they may have to stop or make a sudden turn to avoid a hidden or packed object.

Half Load Season: As of March 1, half load restrictions, as per the Town of Innisfil By-law 017-01, are in effect on all town roads until May 1. The restriction assists maintaining our road infrastructure. Commercial vehicle axel weights are limited to less than 5,000 kilograms.