RELEASE — The City of Kingston has declared a significant weather event following a weather alert issued by Environment Canada. During a significant weather event, residents are advised to use extra caution and are reminded that winter maintenance service levels for roads and sidewalks may not be met.
What makes a weather event significant?
A significant weather event is defined as an approaching or occurring weather hazard with the potential to pose a significant danger to the users of highways (streets) within a municipality. When hazardous weather is expected, Environment Canada will issue alert under its Public Weather Alerting Program. Provincial legislation was updated in 2018 to allow municipalities to declare a significant weather event.
Be safe around snowplows
Drivers: Stay three car-lengths behind a snowplow to allow for a safe stopping distance. NEVER cut off a snowplow.
Pedestrians and caregivers:
- Assume the snowplow driver has NOT seen you.
- If you see a snowplow, move off the sidewalk and into a yard where you can be seen.
- Do NOT play on or make forts or tunnels in roadside snowbanks.
- NEVER approach a snowplow, even when it has stopped.
Help ensure snowplows can keep our streets clear. Winter parking regulations prohibit parking on any city street between the hours of 1 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Stay prepared
Take extra steps to be prepared in advance of a significant weather event:
- Ensure that your cell phone is charged, flashlights are within reach and have fresh batteries, an adequate food supply on hand, and a heat source is available to keep your family and pets warm.
- Never run a generator in an enclosed space.
- If you need to drive, please take it slow and drive safely. Check your vehicle to ensure you have a blanket to keep you warm, in the event that you become stuck or your vehicle breaks down. Ensure you have a mobile phone charger, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, and warm clothing such as a toque, mitts and winter boots, water and snacks.
For more emergency preparedness tips please visit CityofKingston.ca/Emergency.
Residents can review the City’s Winter Maintenance Policy online to learn more about the Provincial Minimum Maintenance Standards at CityofKingston.ca/Snow.
Township Declares Significant Weather Event and Postpones Garbage & Recycling Collection
As of 8:10 am on January 17th, 2022, the Township of South Frontenac has declared a Significant Weather Event in accordance with Ontario Regulation 366/18. All roads and sidewalks maintained by the Municipality will be in a “state of repair” until further notice.
A significant weather event is defined as an approaching or occurring weather hazard with the potential to pose a significant danger to the users of highways (streets and roads) within a municipality.
This declaration is not a notice of closed roads, and the Township remains diligent in providing continued winter maintenance to ensure public safety. Drivers and pedestrians are encouraged to use an appropriate level of caution when travelling during this event and asked to be mindful of snowplows as they continue to clear township roads.
In addition to the declaration, all garbage & recycling collection will be postponed by one (1) day for the week of January 17, 2022. This means that residents with a regular pick-up day of Monday will have their waste picked up on Tuesday, Tuesday collection will move to Wednesday, and so on.
Residents with questions can contact the Public Services Department at 613-376-3027 ext. 4330 or via email at pwsupport@southfrontenac.net. The community’s support is greatly appreciated at this time.
Photo (cropped): Bodelia (cc)
Release: City of Kingston | Township of South Frontenac
