Vaughan declares a Significant Weather Event

March 23, 2022 10:00 a.m.
​Take extra precautions, drive safely and avoid unnecessary travel 


The City of Vaughan has declared a Significant Weather Event starting Wednesday, March 23, based on a Freezing Rain Warning issued by Environment Canada. Conditions are favourable for freezing rain resulting in ice accumulation of one to two millimetres and strong winds gusting up to 60 kilometres per hour leading to possible local power outages.

Due to freezing rain conditions, it may take longer than usual to clear City roads, sidewalks and/or bicycle lanes. Staff will continue monitoring weather forecasts and making the necessary decisions and adjustments to operations.

The City is encouraging drivers to be cautious and adjust their driving according to changing weather conditions. Take all necessary precautions, including avoiding unnecessary travel as surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery.

The City has a fleet of more than 100 vehicles – including salter/snowplow units, windrow machines, sidewalk machines, pickup trucks equipped with plows and salters, cul-de-sac-clearing machines and anti-icing units – to ensure citizens are provided with high-quality winter services.

A Significant Weather Event is defined as an approaching or occurring weather hazard with the potential to pose a significant danger to users of the highways within a municipality. Examples of severe weather include freezing rain, significant snowfall, blowing snow and reduced visibility. The Ontario Regulation 239/02, Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways allows municipalities to declare a Significant Weather Event when Environment Canada issues a weather alert and when that weather hazard has the potential to pose a significant danger to users of the highways they have authority over.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Help the City’s winter operations run effectively and efficiently by following these tips:

  • Clear ice from sidewalks bordering your property within 24 hours after snowfall has ended to help ensure roads and sidewalks remain safe, as stated in By-law 300-93 (PDF).
  • Remove anything that may interfere with or be hazardous to salting and plow crews. This includes landscaping features such as fencing, basketball nets, decorative stones, pots, bird baths, furniture and more.
  • Be mindful of where ice is placed. It is illegal to shovel ice or snow onto the road under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act.
  • Stay off the roads during freezing rain unless it is essential. You can also use York Region Transit to get around the city during inclement weather.
  • Keep a safe distance away from salting equipment.  

MORE INFORMATION

For additional details and to receive the latest information on Vaughan’s winter operations:

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