Newmarket is getting hit with its first big snowstorm of the season today, and a fleet of local and regional plows are on the streets to meet the challenge.
With Environment Canada forecasting 10 to 15 centimetres of snowfall Jan. 9, along with potentially freezing rain later, Newmarket and York Region were prepared to go last night.
“Newmarket is always snow-ready and will respond to the inclement weather conditions forecasted,” the town said. “Staff have been monitoring the weather and the road/sidewalk conditions and will deploy crews in preparation for inclement weather.”
Both municipalities maintain fleets of snowplows for local and regional roads. Newmarket has 12 snow plows and 18 sidewalk plows for 624 kilometres (including both sides) of roads and 364 kilometres of sidewalks. York Region has more than 124 snow plows for 4,300 lane kilometres of roadway across nine municipalities.
Newmarket said the town greatly increases patrolling and monitoring when freezing rain is forecast, with regulations requiring municipalities to prevent ice from forming on roadways following 24 hours of freezing. That prompts a response from salting trucks ahead of precipitating occurring. York Region does the same, salting roads ahead of storms to help keep the first layer of snow from sticking.
“Salting the road prior to plowing helps provide a brine to assist with breaking the bond between the snow and the pavement,” the town said.
Both municipalities utilize modern technology in applying the material, with vehicle systems determining how much based on the road and weather conditions.
“The Town of Newmarket uses modern technology in the application of this material, and we keep up-to-date on new developments,” the town said on its website. “Treated salt helps reduce application rates allowing us to do more with less. Our goal is to be proactive in this area, recognizing that the safety of town streets during slippery conditions must not be jeopardized by the use of alternative products.”
When temperatures go below -12C, the region will also utilize sand to improve traction. The region said that along with its fleet, it has more than 32,000 tonnes of salt and 512,000 litres of brine at its disposal.
As for what residents should do, the town advised everyone to avoid parking on the streets during snow events to assist plows. Residents are also reminded to be patient and respect all snow operators as crews make their way through the town. Drivers should give plows space and not attempt to pass them.
Although Newmarket said it makes every attempt not to miss streets in plowing, residents can reach out if they believe an area has been missed. You can submit a service request through an online form at newmarket.ca/snowremoval, with service requests accepted 16 hours after the snow has stopped falling.
You can find more information on the town snow-clearing process at newmarket.ca/snowfaq and track snowplow progress at newmarket.ca/locatemyplow.
More information on York Region road operations is available at york.ca/transportation/roads/roads-operations.
