District declares Significant Weather Event

From the District of Muskoka

The District of Muskoka has declared a Significant Weather Event for all District roads throughout Muskoka. The declaration is due to a Winter Storm Warning issued by Environment Canada that forecasts weather conditions that will impact road maintenance operations. Significant accumulating snowfall is expected to begin today and intensify into Sunday, with up to 30 cm of snow and the potential for whiteout conditions.

During this Significant Weather Event, residents are advised to limit all travel on all District roads across Muskoka unless necessary, until further notice.

“A Significant Weather Event is declared when there is an “approaching or occurring weather hazard with the potential to pose a significant danger to users of the roadways within a municipality,” explains James Steele, Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works at the District of Muskoka. “It is essential that residents stay off the roads, and only travel, if necessary, until the event is declared over, and normal service levels and operations are back in place.”

This declaration applies to all District roads in Muskoka, and each of our partnering Area Municipalities (Towns and Townships) may be declaring a Significant Weather Event for their roads as well.  Declaring a Significant Weather Event for all District roads allows staff and resources from across the District to be called in to support the crews in communities most impacted.

What does declaring a Significant Weather Event mean?

The District follows strict winter maintenance timelines, but during a Significant Weather Event, road maintenance activities may take longer due to severe conditions. These events are declared to keep the community informed and safe, with crews monitoring weather and road conditions 24/7 and adjusting operations as needed.

Learn more about Significant Weather Events on our website: https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/roads-and-transportation/Road_Maintenance.aspx#Significant-weather-event

Stay Updated on Road Conditions:

• Visit www.municipal511.ca for municipal roads
• Visit www.ontario511.ca for provincial highways (MTO)

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