Winter Maintenance

Highway 12  - Concession 1 Brock to Regional Road 50

Highway  7 –  Highway 12 to Regional Road 2 (Simcoe Street)

Highway 48 – Regional Road 23 to Highway 12

Please visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website for more information.

Regional Road 2 (Simcoe Street) – Concession 1 Brock to Hwy 7

Regional Road 2 (Simcoe Street)  - Concession 1 Thorah to Regional Road 15

Please visit the City of Kawartha Lakes website for more information 

No. Roads are plowed based on traffic volume, with the roads with the highest traffic volume receiving the highest level of service. Snow plow operators clear all roads as efficiently as possible. When there is a heavy snowfall or winter events back to back, it may take longer to clear the roads.

What is a windrow?

The row of snow left at the bottom of a driveway after the snowplow has cleared the road.

How are windrows formed?

Roadways snowplows are designed to move snow from the travelled portion of the road towards the right side of the road. As the snow is moved from left to right it is deposited in a long narrow pile along the right edge of the road (windrows), windrows are unavoidable when snow is plowed is in this manner

Can’t the Operator just lift their plow to avoid putting snow in my driveway?

Driveway windrows cannot be avoided by raising or lowering the front plow or side “wing” plow on the plow truck, doing this would leave snow deposited on the travelled portion of the road which is unsafe for road users.

Who is responsible for clearing residential windrows?

Homeowners are responsible for clearing windrows.

Why doesn’t the driver place the snow on the boulevard between my driveway and my neighbour's driveway?

Roadway snowplows are large vehicles with limited maneuverability and are not able to place snow safely or efficiently in areas where space is limited and unsafe maneuvers such as, reversing or sharp turns are required. Additionally, roadway snowplow blades are wider than the space between many residential driveways.

Why can't the plow carry all the snow up the street to an empty boulevard?

Roadway snowplows are designed to efficiently move snow off the travelled portion of the road from left to right, attempting to move an entire street’s worth of snow to one area would require many passes and reversing, would be extremely inefficient, unsafe and would not totally eliminate windrows.

I live on a corner, and I receive a bigger windrow than my neighbours who don’t live on the corner?

Driveways located near intersections and wider areas where the road bends usually have slightly more snow left in front of houses because there is a larger area of roadway and more snow that needs to be cleared.

Did you know?

• There are around 6000 residential driveways in Brock
• On Street parking may obstruct the clearing of windrows
• Windrow clearing is not as effective as may be expected as only 80% of the driveway width may be cleared to accommodate a single car width & some snow will remain in the driveway due to the nature of the equipment
• During heavy snow events, the plow blade becomes less effective resulting in spillage and significantly reduced snow storage space
• Snow storage availability is very limited in newer communities where narrow lots reduce available space

Brock clears designated sidewalks in urban areas of the Township. This includes snow removal and salting. We prioritize sidewalks in the commercial core of urban areas as well as routes to local public schools.

Brock will replace mailboxes that are damaged by a direct hit from the snowplow. Please report the issue and we will inspect the damage. If your mailbox was damaged by snow from the plow, we will not replace the mailbox.

• Clear snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors and roof;
• Make sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid and that it is rated to -40^oC or lower;
• Plan your route ahead of time and tell someone your destination and expected time of arrival;
• Wear comfortable clothing that doesn't restrict your movement while at the wheel;
• Have warm clothing in case you need to get out of your vehicle;
• Always keep the gas tank at least half full;
• Bring a map and be prepared to take an alternative route;
• Bring a cell phone;
• Use a matching set of four all-season or snow tires.

The two-second rule provides a guide to safe spacing under normal driving conditions. In winter and during poor weather conditions you should double the two second rule.

• Pick a marker on the road ahead, such as a road sign or pole;
• When the rear of the vehicle ahead passes the marker start to count, "one thousand and one, one thousand and two";
• When the front of your vehicle reaches the marker stop counting;
• If you reach the marker before you finish counting, "one thousand and two" you are following too closely.

Keep a winter driving survival kit in your vehicle that includes:

• ice scraper/snow brush
• shovel
• sand or other traction aid
• tow rope or chain
• booster cables
• road flares or warning lights
• gas line antifreeze
• flashlight and batteries
• first aid kit
• fire extinguisher
• small tool kit
• extra clothing and footwear
• blanket
• non-perishable energy foods such as chocolate, granola bars, juice or water
• candle and small tin can
• matches

Visit the Emergency Planning webpage for more information from the Brock Fire Department on Emergency Planning within the Township of Brock.

Not only for your current location, but also for your final destination. If conditions deteriorate while you're on the road, stop at the nearest town or rest area and wait until it's safe to continue driving.

Always slow down well in advance of a railway crossing. The more time you have to react, the better chance you have of avoiding a collision.

Avoid distractions when approaching railway crossings turn off your radio and heating fans so you can listen for trains. Reduced visibility and sounds from a storm can make it more difficult to see and hear if a train is coming. Roll down your window—especially if it’s frosty or foggy—and look both ways before crossing the tracks.

Look for railway warning signs and signals snow may cover train tracks at a crossing, making them look like the road. Look for warning signs and other indications that there is a railway crossing ahead so you can prepare to stop, especially when driving at night.

Use winter tires they have treads designed to grip ice and snow, so you will be less likely to slide on the road or into the side of a train. All—season tires can begin to lose their traction when the temperature drops below 7°C.

Don’t drive impaired alcohol and drugs such as marijuana reduce your ability to pay attention, react quickly and make safe driving choices.