Limited road salt prompts new winter maintenance strategies

BRANDON CLARK & DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES/BROCK: Ontario has experienced brutal winter weather since last November, and with it have come repercussions for road and sidewalk maintenance. The City of Kawartha Lakes and Durham Region are two municipalities among many across the province that have experienced harsh seasonal conditions.

Kawartha Lakes typically sees an average of 50 winter weather events that require snowplow services between November and April. Between November 2025 and January 2026, the number sits at 63. This has resulted in a season's worth of road salt being used, leaving the municipality with a limited supply.

The supply of mineral salt, primarily sourced from Goderich and Windsor, has been strained due to above-average winter weather, increased provincial demand, and supply and transportation pressures. Communities across Ontario are managing limited allocations, and Kawartha Lakes is no exception.

To stretch existing supplies, Kawartha Lakes is using salt/sand blends on some roads which would normally be treated with straight salt. While these blends meet the municipality’s service standards, drivers may notice different roadway conditions. Sand provides traction but does not create the same surface conditions as salt, and motorists are urged to adjust their driving accordingly.

Winter maintenance in Kawartha Lakes is guided by the Winter Control Roadway Level of Service Policy and Sidewalk Level of Service Policy – Winter Maintenance. These policies prioritize snow and ice control based on road classification and usage. During the current shortage, municipal staff are strategically using salt and salt/sand blends, focusing on arterial and priority roads while conserving materials. Staff continue to explore alternate suppliers to resume normal operations as soon as possible.

Residents can support winter operations by clearing private sidewalks and driveways, avoiding shovelling snow onto roads or into catch basins, keeping bins off road shoulders, and following on-street parking restrictions in effect from November 1st to April 30th. With over 5,400 lane-kilometres of roads to maintain, that’s the equivalent of driving to Florida and halfway back for every winter event.

“Our crews are working diligently in challenging winter conditions to maintain safe travel routes for residents and emergency services,” said Oliver Vigelius, Director of Public Works for Kawartha Lakes. “This winter has been more demanding than usual and has required more materials and labour than we normally expect. While there’s a province-wide salt shortage, we’re carefully managing our supply and continuing to provide winter road services based on our service levels.”

In Brock Township, a similar approach is being taken. Due to limited salt supplies, the township is transitioning to a reduced salt/sand mix for winter operations and using calcium-chloride-treated sand where necessary.

“We are confident this approach will continue to provide safe and reliable results for our roads and sidewalks,” said Ben Kester, interim Director of Public Works for Brock Township. “By making this small change, we can stretch our supplies while maintaining traction and safety for residents. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our community as we navigate this challenging winter season.”

One adjustment to winter maintenance will be to avoid pouring salt on roads at the beginning of storms, and to apply it later when conditions favour its effectiveness.

Both municipalities continue to monitor salt inventories, forecasted weather, and operational needs. Residents are encouraged to follow official channels, including Municipal511 and local municipal websites, for the latest service updates.