Winter Weather Travel Advisory Issued For Peterborough Until Tuesday Morning
/A winter weather travel advisory is in effect for Monday night, issued by Environment Canada.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Peterborough Blogs
Snow-Clearing Crews Ready 24/7 For Winter Weather Says The City of Peterborough
/The City of Peterborough has stated that snow-clearing crews are ready to respond 24/7 for the community when winter weather arrives.
Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.
“Snow clearing on roads, sidewalks and trails helps residents move around the City safely when the snow falls,” said Michael Papadacos, Acting Commissioner, Municipal Operations. “Our crews clear the way, so you can get to work, visit friends and family, go to the store, or get around town for the many other activities that happen in our community.”
The City clears roads, bike lanes and sidewalks based on regulated maintenance standards.
Their snow-clearing operations include:
18 plow trucks, two graders, seven loaders and backhoes and four light sanding units to cover 978 kilometres of roads
11 sidewalk plows to cover 450 kilometres of sidewalks
Maintenance of 39 kilometres of trails and 650 bus stops
Service levels
Snow-clearing operations are based on a priority route system.
Roads that see the highest traffic volume, are on transit routes or pass by the hospital are the highest priority for maintenance in winter weather. Arterial and collector roads are cleared first as required by legislated standards.
Once the arterial and collector roads are clear or safe, snow-clearing operations shift to residential or local streets.
Depending on the storm's severity, the time it takes to finish snow clearing can vary. A big storm with snowfall over a long time may mean clearing snow from neighbourhood streets takes longer.
The City follows the provincial guidelines set under the Municipal Act, 2001, O. Reg. 239/02: Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways. The regulations categorize and prioritize roads based on traffic volumes and speed limits – the greater the volume of traffic and the greater the speed limit on the roads, the greater the priority for snow and ice clearing. The guidelines also include standards for the winter maintenance of bike lanes along roads and sidewalks.
Snow clearing in the downtown
As snow accumulates during the winter, City crews regularly remove snowbanks in the downtown area. No parking signs are posted before the snowbank removal work to keep the space clear for the snow removal.
Winter parking restrictions
Parking rules change in the snowy season to assist with snow-clearing work. Keeping streets clear overnight allows for better, quicker snow clearing of City streets.
From Dec. 1 to April 1, parking is prohibited on all City streets from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. The fine for a violation is $25.
During a snowstorm, when snow-clearing operations are underway, no parking is permitted on any City street. The fine is $80 for this violation and vehicles may be towed. Snow-clearing operations typically take place between midnight and 8 a.m.
Free overnight parking is permitted at all municipal parking lots, the King Street Parkade and the Simcoe Parking Garage. Vehicles parked overnight at either parking garage can obtain a gate arm ticket upon entry to the garage to be used for a free transit trip home.
Declaring a Significant Weather Event
Municipalities can declare a Significant Weather Event under the Municipal Act, 2001, O. Reg. 239/02, relating to maintaining municipal roads, sidewalks and bike lanes. All roadways in the municipality are deemed to be in a state of repair for snow accumulation during a Significant Weather Event declaration.
During a significant weather event, residents are advised to use caution and are reminded that typical winter maintenance service levels for roads may not be met. Motorists are advised to stay home and only use the roads for necessary travel.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Peterborough Under Freezing Rain Warning
/A freezing rain warning is in effect for Peterborough and the surrounding area.
File photo
Environment Canada expects an approaching low-pressure system to bring snow, ice pellets and freezing rain to the area Wednesday afternoon (Nov. 8).
Expect snow or ice pellets to begin this afternoon before switching to freezing rain in the late afternoon or early evening. Environment Canada warns roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery.
It’s anticipated there will be ice build-up of two to five millimetres on some surfaces.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Peterborough Public Health Issues Second Heat Warning of the Season
/Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has issued the second heat warning of the season that started Monday and is expected to continue into Thursday.
Daytime temperatures could reach between 29 – 34C according to PPH. Tuesday and Wednesday have an expected humidex near forty on both days. Slightly cooler temperatures are expected overnight.
PPH reminds the public that while extreme heat can put everyone at risk, health risks are greatest for people experiencing homelessness, older adults, infants and young children, those taking certain medications or with certain conditions such as respiratory, cardiac and psychiatric conditions and outdoor workers.
Anyone taking medication or having a health condition is urged to ask their healthcare provider if it increases their health risk in the heat and follow their recommendations.
Community Services:
One Roof Community Centre will extend its hours of service on Tuesday and Wednesday this week and will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. One Roof Community Centre provides services on behalf of the City of Peterborough and is located at 99 Brock St.
Peterborough Public Health continues to test beach water at the two beaches located within the City of Peterborough. Splash pads are extending operations until Monday.
Outdoor water bottle filling stations are available at City facilities in the following locations:
Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St.
Eastgate Park, 2150 Ashburnham Dr.
Peterborough Marina, 92 George St. N.
Members of the public are also able to refill a water bottle inside the following City facilities during hours of operation:
Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St.
Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.
Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd.
Kinsmen Civic Centre, 1 Kinsmen Way
Health Risks:
According to the PPH, people suffer heat-related illnesses when their body temperature quickly rises, and they are unable to cool themselves. The risk of heat-related illness increases with the amount of time spent in the heat, the temperature and an individual’s sensitivity to heat. If you feel faint, find it hard to breathe, or feel confused and disoriented because of the heat, PPH urges anyone to call 911 or go to the Emergency Department.
Heat illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat edema (swelling of hands, feet, and ankles), heat rash, and heat cramps.
Watch for symptoms of heat illness, which may include:
heavy sweating;
muscle cramps and/or headache;
weakness, dizziness, or fainting;
nausea or vomiting;
paleness, tiredness;
rapid breathing and heartbeat;
extreme thirst; or
decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine.
If you experience any of these, you should immediately move to a cool place and drink water.
How to Protect Yourself During Hot Weather:
Drink lots of water even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola.
Avoid going out in the direct sun or heat when possible. If you go outside, rest frequently in green spaces with lots of shade and plan to go out early in the morning or in the evening when it is cooler.
Use an air conditioner if possible, and if you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home, but keep windows slightly open.
Wear loose-fitting, light clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
Keep lights off or turned down low.
Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cold, wet towels.
Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.
Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
One Roof Peterborough Announces Extended Hours During Heat Warning
/One Roof Community Centre will be open for extended hours until 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday due to a heat warning issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
file photo.
Environment and Climate Change Canada that is forecasting temperatures up to 33 degrees for the Peterborough area.
One Roof Community Centre, which provides services on behalf of the City and County of Peterborough, is located at 99 Brock Street. Lunch will be served between 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
For full description of meals and other services that One Roof provides, visit the website. For information about how to protect yourself from extreme heat, visit the Government of Canada website.
Water Filling Stations
Outdoor water bottle filling stations are available at City facilities in the following locations:
Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St.
Eastgate Park, 2150 Ashburnham Dr.
Peterborough Marina, 92 George St. N.
Members of the public are also able to refill a water bottle inside the following City facilities during hours of operation:
Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St.
Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.
Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd.
Kinsmen Civic Centre, 1 Kinsmen Way.
Homelessness Services
Emergency shelters are open and available to people experiencing homelessness who require emergency overnight shelter:
YES Shelter for Youth (705-748-3851), 196 Brock St.
Brock Mission Men’s Shelter (705-748-4766), 217 Murray St.
Cameron House Women’s Shelter (705-748-4766), 738 Chemong Rd.
Overflow Shelter at 210 Wolfe St. (705-748-4766 – ask for Overflow Shelter)
Emergency After Hours Services related to emergency shelter are available through the Social Services by calling 705-926-0096. The Peterborough Social Services website has full details on the website.
Flood Watch Update Issued For Trent-Severn Waterway Tuesday
/A Flood Watch Update was issued for Municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough and Trent Hills, and Otonabee Conservation’s other partners in flood emergency management on Tuesday April 11– notifying them that flooding is possible.
file photo.
The waterways within Otonabee Conservation’s jurisdiction and the headwaters of the Trent-Severn Waterway (Reservoir Lakes/Haliburton Lakes region) will experience above normal air temperatures through Sunday April 16. The next rainfall event is forecasted for the 16th is through Tuesday April 18 with potential rainfall amounts in the range of 15 to 30 millimetres.
Parks Canada is currently managing water through the entire Trent-Severn Waterway. With the increased flows entering the Kawartha Lakes, water levels will continue to increase and result in breakup of ice cover and potential ice jams. Flooding of low-lying areas along the Kawartha Lakes and Rice Lake shoreline is expected.
Water levels and flows on the Otonabee River have levelled off and will remain steady. Potential increases to water levels and flows may result from further water management due to additional runoff from the forecasted rainfall event. Flooding of low-lying areas along the Otonabee River is expected.
Otonabee Conservation advises area municipalities to prepare for swelling of rivers, streams, creeks and wetlands with possibility of waters inundating adjacent properties and roads. Shoreline residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to take action to limit or prevent damages due to potential flooding. Residents and visitors are advised not to drive, cycle, or walk through flooded areas and to obey all road/traffic closures. Adults, parents and caregivers are advised to keep themselves, children and pets away from all waterways and conveyance structures (i.e., dams, culverts and bridges).
Water levels can be monitored on-line at:
Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet
Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data
Otonabee Region Conservation Authority website
This Flood Watch Update message will expire Tuesday, April 18 unless updated earlier.
The City of Peterborough Lifts Significant Weather Event Declaration From Saturday's Snowstorm
/The City of Peterborough lifted its Significant Weather Event declaration as of 5 p.m. Tuesday that was issued on Saturday due to a major snowstorm.
Photo by Aaron Elliott.
Environment Canada recorded that Peterborough received about 25 cm of snow from Friday to Saturday.
City of Peterborough Public Works employees were deployed throughout the storm and subsequent days to address conditions on roads, sidewalks and trails.
Declaring a Significant Weather Event is a way to advise residents, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists conditions on roads, sidewalks and bike lanes can be expected to be delayed compared to typical levels of service, due to the severity of a storm according to the City.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
One Roof Community Centre Extends Service Hours Feb. 23 to 25 Due to Weather Forecast
/One Roof Community Centre is extending its hours of service to 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. beginning Thursday until Saturday, Feb. 25 due to cold temperatures and a winter storm in the forecast for the area.
file photo.
One Roof Community Centre, which provides warming room services on behalf of the City and County of Peterborough, is located at 99 Brock St. A meal is provided between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. A full description of meals and other services that One Roof provides is online.
Information about how to protect yourself from extreme cold is available on the Peterborough Public Health website.
Emergency shelters are open and available to people experiencing homelessness who require emergency overnight shelter. If shelter capacity is full, temporary alternative accommodations for overnight stays may be made available. Please contact the shelters first for space:
YES Shelter for Youth and Families (705-748-3851), 196 Brock St.
Brock Mission Men’s Shelter (705-748-4766), 217 Murray St.
Cameron House Women’s Shelter (705-748-4766) – 738 Chemong Rd.
Overflow Shelter at 210 Wolfe St. (705-748-4766 – press 0 for Overflow Shelter)
Emergency After Hours Services related to emergency shelter are available through the Social Services by calling 705-926-0096. The Peterborough Social Services website has full details.
Winter Storm Watch Calling For Heavy Precipitation Issued For Peterborough
/A Winter storm watch has been issued for Peterborough on Tuesday; in effect for late Wednesday and into Thursday as a winter storm is expected.
file photo.
The Weather Network says precipitation may fall heavily at times leading to hazardous winter travel conditions, and may also mix with freezing rain in some areas.
There remains some uncertainty for the exact location, timing and accumulations of snow and ice pellets. Warnings may be issued as the event draws nearer.
Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility in some locations. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas.
To keep up with weather updates visit the website.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Otonabee Conservation Issues Flood Watch Amid Snowfalls Forecast for Peterborough and Surrounding Areas
/A flood watch update was issued by Otonabee Conservation for the Trent-Severn Waterway (Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River, Rice Lake, Trent River to Hastings) and local watercourses on Tuesday, warning communities that signifiant precipitation could lead to flooding.
File Photo.
The Flood watch, issued to Municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Peterborough and Trent Hills and ORCA’s other partners in flood emergency management, states that precipitation accumulation could lead to flooding.
Falling snow and wind chill are ingredients that contribute to cooling of river/stream/creek water, promoting and accelerating the generation of frazil ice. Multiple days of frazil ice generation increases the possibility of frazil ice accumulation causing channel constriction and the back-up of water behind the accumulation/constriction, leading to flooding of adjacent low-lying areas.
Starting Tuesday night and continuing for the next 7 to 10 days, the forecast is for wind chills that will drop overnight lows well into the double-digits.
Beginning Wednesday afternoon and continuing through Thursday morning, Otonabee Conservation says a strong low-pressure system will bring high winds, cold air temperatures and significant snowfall. They are alerting municipalities, residents and businesses that floods are possible with those snowfalls expected in the next couple days, and advising those in low-lying, flood-prone areas to keep an eye out for frazil ice generation, accumulation and rising water levels and to prepare for potential flooding.
Wednesday and Thursday’s total snow accumulations are expected to be around 20 centimeters across the watershed. This winter storm is expected to be followed by a series of minor weather disturbances bringing more snow, albeit low accumulations and continued cold air temperatures into the early days of February.
Thursday and Friday’s temperature low is expected to be - 19 degrees while feeling closer to - 22 degrees.
Water levels can be monitored online at:
Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet
Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data
Otonabee Region Conservation Authority website
