‘Smart’ salting
Vaughan continues to leverage technology in Public Works operations
Sugar and spice and everything ‘ice’? Not on our watch! Salting is an important part of the City of Vaughan’s winter maintenance efforts, and, by using it sparingly, we’re cutting costs and protecting our stormwater systems, all while ensuring exceptional service levels.
It’s all thanks to our Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS) – an innovative solution that helps operators apply the perfect amount of salt to roads and sidewalks during a snowfall.
Vaughan prides itself on leading with innovation at the forefront. Using the artificial intelligence-based tool, the City leverages weather forecasts, data from road conditions and Vaughan’s operating best practices to recommend the best treatment for the City’s roads and sidewalks. In fact, Vaughan was the first municipality in Canada to incorporate this technology into its salting operations, which has since been adopted throughout Ontario.
You may be wondering how we determine how much salt to distribute. The “holy grail” for optimal salt use is known as the four Rs: applying the right material, at the right time, in the right amount, in the right place.
Since adopting this innovative technology, the City has decreased salt usage by more than 100 tonnes per salting event. MDSS saves the City money and is beneficial for the environment, as it reduces the amount of salt that could enter the stormwater system – and subsequently, bodies of water – through catch basins.
This is just one example of how Public Works is delivering Service Excellence. The team continues to look for ways to provide services more effectively and efficiently to keep the community safe and moving throughout the winter and beyond.
Stay informed this winter season!
For more information on the City’s winter maintenance program, visit vaughan.ca/snow. For additional details and to receive the latest information on Vaughan’s winter operations:
contact the SNOW hotline at 905-879-SNOW (7669) or email snow@vaughan.ca.
follow the City’s official corporate social media channels on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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