Like many municipalities across Ontario, the Town of Renfrew is experiencing impacts from a province-wide road salt shortage following an especially demanding winter season.

We anticipated this possibility and prepared as best we could by building stockpiles earlier in the winter; however, salt supplies are now limited and are being carefully managed. Our ability to produce additional sand/salt mixture is also restricted until weather conditions allow us to safely do so.

With limited salt availability, our crews will prioritize maintaining main roads as close to bare pavement as possible where conditions permit. However, secondary roads and backstreets may remain snow-covered or snow-packed at times during this shortage.

When less salt is available, snow and ice melt more slowly, and compacted snow is more likely to remain on road surfaces. This can result in longer-lasting slippery conditions and an increased likelihood of icy patches, particularly during colder temperatures and overnight refreezing.

Residents should expect snow-packed road conditions rather than bare pavement in some areas.

How residents can help:

Allow extra time when walking or driving and maintain safe distances.

Keep garbage and recycling bins off roadways and snowbanks. To help reduce the risk of spillage during snow cleanup, please set bins out after 5:00 a.m.

Avoid pushing snow onto roads, sidewalks, or catch basins.

If there is a fire hydrant on your property, please help keep it clear of snow and ice to ensure quick access in an emergency.

Avoid on-street parking during winter maintenance operations (a reminder that overnight on-street parking is prohibited from December 1 to March 31, from 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.)

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as our crews continue working to keep Renfrew’s roads as safe as possible during this especially busy winter season.