Midland declares Significant Weather Event

The Significant Weather Event has been lifted as of 4:00 p.m., March 12, 2025. The Operations team has completed snow cleanup on Town roads to comply with the Province's Minimum Maintenance Standards. See the update.

Update 5:00pm March 7, 2025

Significant Weather Event still in effect.

Town crews and contractors continue with snowbank cutbacks to increase road widths to comply with the Province's Minimum Maintenance Standards.  As of today, the Town is 85% compliant and it is anticipated the significant weather event status will be lifted the week of March 10, 2025.

Thanks again to our crews for their dedication and hard work during this incredible winter.  Thanks also to our residents for your continued patience and understanding.  

Update 8:00pm February 28, 2025

Significant Weather Event still in effect.

With the Environment Canada Weather Advisory issued for Midland today, crews will be sanding and salting (or plowing) throughout the weekend. 

Town crews and contractors will resume snowbank cutbacks in the early morning of Monday March 3rd to increase road widths to comply with the Province's Minimum Maintenance Standards.

Midland, thank you again for your patience as we get through this together!  Take care driving this weekend and continue to be cautious around heavy equipment on Town roads.

Update 4:30pm February 27, 2025

Significant Weather Event still in effect.

You may have seen crews and contractors cutting back snowbanks around Midland. This major operation takes up a lot of space on roads - remember to stay a safe distance away from maintenance vehicles and drive with caution. Thank you for your cooperation with keeping vehicles off Town streets so the crews can complete road widening in your area.

#DidYouSnow... Within a 24 hour period over 220 truckloads of snow are brought to the Operations centre daily, where they add more snow to Midland's snow mountain, check out the video on how that operation works. 

This operation follows a serious process with three heavy equipment vehicles working together. The front end loader with a mounted blower grabs the snowbanks on the side of the road shooting it directly into a dump truck that drives backwards alongside. When the dump truck gets full, a new one comes to take its place. Behind is another front end loader with a plow attachment that follows to clear away any snow that is left behind.

Update 5:15pm February 26, 2025

Significant Weather Event still in effect.

Thank you Midland for your cooperation as crews continue to create a significant difference in Town following completion of snowbank cutbacks on sections of our priority roads.

The overnight crew will move to local streets to increase road widths to comply with the Province's Minimum Maintenance Standards (MMS). Learn about road classifications under MMS. 

Update 5:15pm February 25, 2025

Significant Weather Event still in effect.

The overnight crew completed snowbank cutbacks and snow removal in most school zones. Town crews and contractors work to increase road widths to comply with the Province's Minimum Maintenance Standards. 

With the recent thaw, potholes are becoming more visible on our roads. The freeze-thaw cycle can cause pavement to weaken, leading to cracks and potholes forming. Crews will also be keeping an eye on known flooding areas and will be making access to ensure that there is appropriate drainage throughout town.

Thank you for your patience as crews continue to work around the clock to address roads around Town - remember to drive with caution. 

Update 4:30pm February 24, 2025

Significant Weather Event still in effect.

The significant weather event continues as Town crews and contractors work to increase road widths to comply with the Province's Minimum Maintenance Standards.

Road widening and snowbank cutbacks have been completed on most priority roads.

Crews are working in areas during the day where there are large right of way widths and less daily traffic, which allows the large equipment to operate with minimal disruption. Road widening and snowbanks cutbacks for in Town roads will take place overnight throughout the week. This scheduling allows for efficient maintenance around the clock.

_

Learn more information winter maintenance on Midland with our FAQ page.

Update 5:00pm February 21, 2025

Significant Weather Event still in effect.

We are so grateful for our dedicated Operations team!

The crew continues overnight hauling snow from priority routes. Starting Sunday night, snowbank cutbacks will resume on additional arterial roads. Learn about road classifications under the Minimum Maintenance Standards. 

Thank you everyone for supporting the winter maintenance efforts over the last week. We appreciate the incredible teamwork and understanding from our community. Please travel with caution, stay warm, stay safe, and thank you for doing your part. 

Update 4:30pm February 20, 2025

Significant Weather Event still in effect.

What is the current status?

• Vast amounts of snow with added equipment issues have delayed the second phase of snow removal operations in the aftermath of recent back-to-back storms.
• Widening of lane widths on arterial roads, two-lane roads, downtown streets, and emergency routes are the priority to bring the Town into compliance with the Province's Minimum Maintenance Standards (MMS).
• Town crews and contractors are working around the clock to remove and haul the snow to the Town’s Operations storage yard.

Why is it taking so long for crews to cut back snowbanks on my street?

• The Town provides this service for safety and to improve sight lines, though there is no legislative requirement to cut back snowbanks.
• As with snowplowing operations, the Town prioritizes streets based on road classification for snow clean up and removal (including cutting back snowbanks). Learn about road classifications under the Minimum Maintenance Standards. 
• Residents are asked to be patient and cooperative as crews and contractors work through priority areas.

The Town will provide updates on the Significant Weather Event and will notify through the website and social media channels when declared ended. Subscribe to notices and select the "News and Notices" to receive updates directly to your inbox.

Update 5:30pm February 19, 2025

Significant Weather Event still in effect.

With the recent break from snowfall throughout the day, clean up has been completed in some priority areas.

Road widening is taking place on select priority Class 3 and 4 roads. Learn about road classifications under the Minimum Maintenance Standards. 

Thank you Midland - your cooperation during this time fuels the positivity that makes our community thrive. Your patience is extremely appreciated as the crews work to address areas of concern. 

Road widening operations typically takes place overnight as it is no small task. Residents may have seen the loader-mounted blower in their area removing snow from the roadways. 

The Town will provide updates on the Significant Weather Event, and will notify through the website and social media channels when declared ended. Subscribe to notices and select the "News and Notices" to receive updates directly to your inbox.

Update 5:00pm February 18, 2025

Significant Weather Event still in effect.

Crews continue to address the snow accumulation from the previous days. The significant weather event continues due to reduced visibility on roads and the winter weather advisory issued by Environment Canada. 

Snow removal update:

• Priority routes are the focus for the next couple of days, e.g., sections of King, Yonge, Hugel, William, Harbourview, Bayshore, etc. Learn about road classifications under the Minimum Maintenance Standards. 

• Full cleanup is expected to take approximately one week. However, if snow continues to fall the clean up operations would be delayed as staff and equipment would be re-deployed to address priority routes.

• If there is no additional snow accumulation, crews will work throughout the night to improve road width and snowbank cutbacks on priority routes.

• To understand your road’s classification and when to expect snow clearing, visit midland.ca/snowpriority. During a significant weather event, these requirements are extended as per the discretion of the Town. 

Thank you to our Operations team as they continue to work around the clock addressing the incredible amount of snow we have received this winter.

The Town will provide updates on the Significant Weather Event, and will notify through the website and social media channels when declared ended. Subscribe to notices and select the "News and Notices" to receive updates directly to your inbox.

Update 5:00pm February 14, 2025

Significant Weather Event still in effect.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as our Operations team continues to work through the night to maintain Midland’s main arterial roads. Majority of roads and sidewalks will receive service by end of day tomorrow.  However, with the pending weather in the forecast, this may change.  The Significant Weather Event will remain in effect over the weekend. Please watch our website and social media for updates.

Your cooperation during this time is integral

A reminder that parking on roads during the day is not permitted during snow removal operations. This impedes plow trucks as they work to clear Town streets. Also, overnight parking is not permitted on Town roads or lots from 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Learn more about winter parking restrictions. 

We appreciate your help keeping hydrants clear

The Town is grateful to residents who have cleared the snow away from hydrants in your neighbourhood. Town staff patrol areas and will clear hydrants, but your assistance could save valuable moments if you or a neighbour experience a structure fire. 

It’s time to clear snow from your roof

Heavy snow can cause roof failures and structural damage. One cubic foot of snow can weigh up to 30lbs if it has been left to compact. Residents are encouraged to take the time to safely clear or hire a professional to clear snow from their roof, read more about the importance of clearing snow from your home. 

The Town will provide updates when this significant weather event has ended. Subscribe to notices and select the "News and Notices" to receive updates directly to your inbox.”

The Town of Midland has declared a significant weather event as of 9:00 a.m. February 14, 2025. 

The significant weather event has been declared due to rapid snow accumulation, reduced visibility on roads and the snow squall warning issued by Environment Canada. 

What does this mean?

The declaration of a significant weather event is to notify the public about a forecasted or current weather hazard which has the potential to pose a significant danger to drivers and pedestrians. The Operations team continues to maintain roads, focusing on main arterials to support emergency vehicles. 

During a significant weather event it may take longer than usual for Town Operations to bring the roads back to optimal condition. Municipal roads and sidewalks are considered to be in a state of repair until the event is declared ended.

How can you help?

Residents are encouraged to use extreme caution and only venture out if necessary. If residents must travel, please stay a safe distance away from maintenance vehicles to provide them space to safely clear the snow and ice. Motorists are requested not to park on Town streets at any time during the weather event. Please check weather forecasts regularly.

When can a significant weather event be declared?

A significant weather event can be declared under the Ontario Regulation 239/02, extending the requirements established in Ontario's Minimum Maintenance Standards (MMS) for Municipal Highways, visit our Snow Plowing and Winter Maintenance page for the MMS. 

This is not a declaration of an Emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

The Town will provide updates when this significant weather event has ended. Subscribe to notices and select the "News and Notices" to receive updates directly to your inbox. 

Municipal Services

• Municipal office
  • The municipal office is open today for in-person services or can be contacted by phone, email or by creating a customer service case. Visit our Contact Us page. 
• Mid-Pen Transit
  • Mid-Pen Transit is running its regular routes today however riders may expect delays. 
• North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre
  • NSSRC is open for regular business hours today until 11 p.m.

The community's support and patience during this event is appreciated.  Stay warm, stay safe, and thank you for doing your part.