Winter Maintenance
The Town of Midland Operations department provides winter maintenance on Town roads and sidewalks. The Town of Midland follows the Ontario Minimum Maintenance Standards (MMS). High traffic roads begin our snow clearing routes. During major snow events, maintaining our high traffic roads is priority. This aids our emergency services on their routes.
Learn about Winter Operations in Midland with the quick fact sheet.
Midland's crew works to provide a high quality of winter maintenance which exceeds the Ontario Minimum Maintenance Standards (MMS). Find more information below, or contact us with any questions.
Snow Removal Responsibilities
Everyone plays a role in snow removal.
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Resident Responsibilities |
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Safety is a top priority during the winter months. What can you do to help?
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Town of Midland Responsibilities |
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Within the Town of Midland there are approximately 270 lane km of roads and 105 km of sidewalks. Until a major snowstorm is over, our streets and sidewalks can not be completed. The Town follows Minimum Maintenance Standards (MMS) set out by the Province. We aim to keep the roads clear for travel. During storms, we may plow priority streets more than once before secondary roads and side streets. Daytime snow clearing is more difficult due to increased traffic. Snow removal is best accomplished overnight.
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County of Simcoe and Ministry of Transportation Responsibilities |
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What is a Significant Weather Event?
A Significant Weather Event may be declared when current or forecasted conditions pose a serious risk to users of roads and sidewalks. A significant weather event is not a declaration of an emergency.
- Significant snow accumulation during a 24-hour period.
- High winds leading to blowing snow and large snow drifts.
- Freezing temperatures and ice formation that occurs without warning from the weather forecast.
While snow is falling, the roads and sidewalks will never be completely clear and crews continue to work around the clock. Declaring a significant weather event gives us more time to meet Ontario's Minimum Maintenance Standards (MMS) as they relate to our roads and sidewalks.
Stay informed by subscribing to our News and Notices.
Winter Safety Tips
Travelling and complete winter tasks like snow removal requires attention to safety. Protect yourself from injuries and ensure a safer winter for you and your loved ones. Remember to stay warm, take breaks, and use proper techniques to minimize risks.
Removing snow from your roof
Heavy snow can cause roof failures and structural damages. If snow accumulation reaches 60-90 cm (2-3 feet), it’s time to clear it before it becomes a serious hazard. Wet, heavy snow should be removed even sooner to prevent excessive strain on your roof. Sheds and outbuildings may require more frequent snow removal, as they are also susceptible to snow buildup.
Prioritize safety when removing snow from a roof by using a roof rake, or hire a professional to remove snow from high or intricate roofs, as well as for removing ice dams along the roof's edge. Clearing snow around roof vents will help prevent further ice dams. Learn more about snow loads.
Travelling during the Winter
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Avoid driving on the road during a snowstorm.
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Avoid splashing slush and water onto sidewalks which could quickly freeze.
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Slow down on roadways.
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Clear snow and ice off your personal vehicle.
Clearing Snow and Staying Safe
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Always wear proper boots to make sure you don't slip and fall when you're walking or clearing snow.
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Stay warm and take breaks when clearing snow and ice.
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Clear snow off of your walkways, use salt do break down ice and provide traction.
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Be prepared for winter weather, find more information about staying safe during the winter months here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When will my street or sidewalks be cleared? |
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The Town maintains maintenance on routes. High volume roads start our snow clearing route. These roads are business areas and emergency service routes. Secondary roads follow on our route which are residential or rural. After priority routes are clear, we begin the secondary roads. Sanding priority: • High traffic roads; King Street, Midland Avenue, William Street, Yonge Street & Hugel Avenue. • Bus Routes and other collector routes. • Hills on the east & west sides of town. • School zones. • Major intersections. This reflects the speed and traffic levels of each road. This helps us clear the roads based on the risk involved with each category. |
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What can I do if my neighbour is putting snow on my property? |
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The Town does not get involved as this is a civil matter, everyone is encouraged to speak with their neighbours to resolve any potential concerns. |
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Can the Town clear snow from the end of my driveway? |
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The Town will not clear snow deposited at the end of your driveway. It is important to note that our plow operators do not block driveways on purpose. For snow removal to be safe and efficient, windrows and snow build up is unavoidable. Corner lots will always get more snow at the end of the driveway. |
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Can I park on the street overnight in the winter? |
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Overnight street parking is not allowed from November 15th to April 1st (12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.) every year. We need your help as we work to keep our roadways, sidewalks and sewers clear throughout winter. Please remember that vehicles can not disrupt snow removal operations. (as outlined in our Parking By-Law.) We ask residents to make sure that vehicles parked do not hang over sidewalks or roadways. Keeping vehicles off the road and sidewalks helps us complete snow clearing. We will ticket and/or tow vehicles in obstruction of snow removal operations. Vehicles must be off the street by 12:00 a.m. each night from November 15th until April 1st every year. |
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Who is responsible to clear snow on County Road 93 and Highway 12? |
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Some roads in Midland are under the care of a different jurisdiction. The County of Simcoe removes snow from County Road 93 and Highway 12. They also remove snow on the ramps for those highways. |
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The plow damaged my lawn, what do I do? |
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If there is severe damage to your sod or boulevard from our machines, please complete a service request. Operations restores damaged sod or boulevard damage in the spring and summer months. |