Now that winter is officially here, Norfolk County is reminding residents about snow clearing, winter parking, and tips for staying informed during winter weather.
Significant weather events
Norfolk County may declare a significant weather event when the weather forecast or conditions have the potential to pose a significant danger on roads maintained by Norfolk County.
Declaring a significant weather event notifies residents:
- Stay home and avoid unnecessary driving
- Use extra caution when travelling on County streets and sidewalks
- The County will only deploy resources to address snow or ice accumulation if it is safe and practicable to do so
- Street parking is not allowed, and cars parked on the street may be tagged and/or towed
- It may take longer than usual to complete necessary winter maintenance activities and return roadways and sidewalks to a safe and usable condition
When a significant weather event is declared, Norfolk County will:
- Update norfolkCounty.ca/news
- Issue a media release to local media
- Post on our Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) social media accounts
Residents can also subscribe to receive Norfolk County news sent to their email inbox.
Road plowing
As snow begins to accumulate, Norfolk’s snowplows clear roads in the following priority order based on the province of Ontario’s Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways:
- Class 2 and 3 roads (primary)
- Class 4 roads (rural/concession)
- Class 5 and 6 roads (subdivisions and low volume)
Depending on weather conditions, snowplows will return to roads to keep them clear of snow. Residents are reminded to give snowplows space and time to clear roads safely.
Sidewalks, trails, and pathways
Norfolk County’s Snow and Ice Removal By-Law requires property owners or occupants to clear sidewalks beside their property of both snow and ice by noon following a snow event. Failing to clear sidewalks can result in a charge under the By-Law.
Norfolk’s trails and pathways are not maintained during winter. Residents use at their own risk and should be aware that trails may have a build-up of ice that could pose a risk to walk or ride on.
Winter parking
Norfolk County’s Parking Bylaw requires parked vehicles to be moved off the road during and after snowfalls and winter storms or when a significant weather event is declared to allow Norfolk’s snowplows and sanders to clear the entire road surface and apply salt or sand, as required.
Vehicles parked on roads when winter weather is expected may be ticketed and/or towed at the owner’s expense, regardless of actual snowfall volume.
Cold warnings
Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chills create an increased risk to health, such as frostbite and hypothermia. Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter and clothing.
The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit has a Cold Alert Response Plan when Environment Canada sends a cold weather alert or an extreme cold weather warning. Extreme weather alerts will be communicated to the public through media releases, the HNHU website.
Local forecast and weather alerts
Environment and Climate Change Canada’s website provides information on local forecasts and weather alerts. Residents can also download the WeatherCAN mobile app to receive weather alert notifications.
Visit NorfolkCounty.ca/Winter for more information and links to resources.
