Contact(s)
Public Works is responsible for winter operations on the Town's streets, sidewalks, walkways and parking lots. Winter operations includes snowplowing, sanding and salting, and snow removal which is carried out by municipally-owned and operated equipment and contractors. It is the objective of the Public Works Department to conduct its operational activities in an efficient and effective way, so as to provide safe driving and walking conditions on all roads and sidewalks owned and maintained by the Town.
Patrolled Roads and Maintenance Standards |
Roads are patrolled regularly during the winter months to monitor conditions and deploy equipment and materials as necessary. Winter road maintenance is completed in accordance with the Ontario Minimum Maintenance Standards for Ontario Highways to ensure Town streets and sidewalks remain safe and passable for motorists and pedestrians. |
Designated Plow Routes |
The following is the general priority for snow plowing and sanding/salting operations within designated plow routes:
When plowing operations begin, operators are following routes that have been designed to minimize duplication and maximize efficiency. The length of time to complete a route varies however, it may take approximately 6 to 8 hours to complete. |
Snow Clearing |
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We do our best to clear snow and ice quickly from the roadways. But with 320 km of Town roadways and 60 km of sidewalks to care for, winter control can be a challenging task and there are a number of factors that can impact snow clearing operations, including:
For road maintenance inquiries or concerns on Highway 11 and Highway 118 East, please call 1-866-527-8216.
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Be a Good Neighbour |
The Town does not offer snow clearing assistance on private property.
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Catchbasins |
By clearing snow away from storm sewer catch basins near your property, you may help prevent street flooding and icy road conditions. |
Children |
Keep children informed about winter road safety.
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Depositing Snow |
Pile all snow from your driveway and sidewalks on your property, not on the road.
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Driveways |
In order to minimize snow from being pushed back into driveways, do not park on roadways during the winter months. Plows need to move around parked vehicles, which create snow build-up. Ultimately when the vehicles are moved and further plowing is done, snow build-up is pushed back into driveways.
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Driving |
Drive smart - give yourself extra time and space. Give snow plows plenty of room and remember they may need to back up.
For more information on status of roads in the area, please visit the following websites: Ministry of Transportation - Winter Road Conditions Trillium Lakelands District School Board - Bus Cancellations Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board - Bus Cancellations |
Fire Hydrants |
Clear snow away from fire hydrants so they are visible and accessible to emergency services personnel at all times.
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Garbage and Recycling Collection |
Heavy snow accumulation, icy roads and/or poor visibility during winter maintenance activities can make it difficult for snow plow operations to avoid waste and recycling collection items placed alongside the roadway or sidewalk. To help make collection as easy and efficient as possible during the winter months, residents are reminded of the following: Container Placement on DrivewayPlace your collectible materials on the right side of the driveway approximately 1.5 metres (5 feet) from the curbside. The "right" side is the right side of your driveway when you stand at the curb facing the road. Avoid placing your waste and recycling containers on roadways, boulevards and sidewalks, as they will:
Also avoid placing your waste and recycling containers behind or on top of snowbanks to eliminate the potential risk of a dangerous slip or fall onto the pavement for you or the waste collectors. Early Morning Container PlacementWaste collection items are best put out early in the morning otherwise waste containers could get buried during a snowfall and as a result may not be collected. Retrieve your waste containers soon after collection. Empty containers are vulnerable to winds and ongoing snow plow operations creating a hazard if knocked into the sidewalk or roadway. Write your address on your containers so if found, they can be easily returned to you. Download your custom collection schedule and receive access to updates and notifications by downloading the District Municipality of Muskoka’s new mobile app search for “Muskoka Recycles” in the app store. |
Mailboxes |
Canada Post is responsible for clearing the snow and ice around Community Mailboxes. Please contact Canada Post Customer Service at 1-800-267-1177 for any maintenance issues.
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Parking |
Do not park on roadways during the winter months. Parked vehicles can prevent snow removal crews from clearing the roads in a timely and efficient manner.
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Sidewalks |
The Town of Bracebridge Municipal Servicing By-Law 82-34 requires that owners of every commercial establishment clear the snow from the sidewalk adjacent to their property within four hours after every snow fall. The snow is to be pushed to the edge of the sidewalk where it will eventually be removed by the Town when it reaches a maximum height and/or width.
As a courtesy, the Town will have a sidewalk plow make one pass on sidewalks in commercial areas to assist these property owners with snow removal. |