Pushing Snow onto the Road Is Illegal: OPP Reminder

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding residents that it is illegal to push snow or ice onto the road.

Under the Highway Traffic Act, “no person shall deposit snow or ice on the roadway without permission in writing to do so from the road authority responsible for the maintenance of the road.”

Pushing snow onto or across the road creates significant safety hazards. Snow and ice left on the roadway can freeze into hard, icy patches; reduce visibility for drivers and pedestrians; slow down road-clearing efforts; and may cause damage to vehicles that strike packed snow or ice.

The Township of Frontenac Islands is asking for your help this winter.

Please…

• Be patient - during heavy snowfalls it takes longer for crews to clear all roads.

• Place waste and recycling bins in your driveway, not on the road allowance.

• Pile snow on the right side of your driveway (the downside of the plow) to help reduce snow buildup after plowing.

• Slow down and drive according to weather and road conditions - drive with care.

Please do not…

• Park on the road or street during a snowfall, or immediately after, if plowing is still required.

• Follow snowplows too closely.

• Push or place snow from driveways onto the road or street.  - This creates a hazard for vehicles and is prohibited under the Highway Traffic Act.

Mailboxes During Snowplowing

During plowing operations, the force of snow being pushed off the road can knock down unstable mailboxes. Please ensure your mailbox is maintained and able to withstand the weight of heavy snow spray.

The Township does not replace mailboxes knocked down by snow load or snow spray from plowing.