Peterborough Possibly Expecting Freezing Rain For Saturday

Environment Canada has stated that Peterborough could be facing freezing rain on Saturday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

They estimate that it could begin Saturday morning and finish around the afternoon.

There could be patchy freezing rain that leads to light ice accretion or build-up. Icy and slippery conditions are possible, particularly on untreated surfaces.

For areas closer to Lake Ontario, Environment Canada suspects mainly rain is expected as temperatures should be above the freezing mark.

Freezing rain warnings may be required for some areas.

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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.

The advisory is in effect from this evening into early Tuesday morning.

Peterborough could expect snowfall amounts of 5 to 10 cm, possibly higher. Drivers could face reduced visibility in heavy snow and local blowing snow with icy and slippery road conditions.

Environment Canada predicts that rain showers are expected to quickly change to snow this afternoon or evening as colder air moves into southern Ontario. Snow could become heavy at times during the evening or overnight. Increasing northwest winds gusting to 50 km/h may result in localized areas of blowing snow in exposed areas.

Travel may be hazardous due to sudden changes in the weather.

Environment Canada reminds drivers to be prepared to adjust your driving to changing road conditions. Turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance if visibility is reduced while driving.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

  1. YES Shelter for Youth (705-748-3851), 196 Brock St.

  2. Brock Mission Men’s Shelter (705-748-4766), 217 Murray St.

  3. Cameron House Women’s Shelter (705-748-4766), 738 Chemong Rd.

  4. 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.

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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: 

  1. Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet

  2. Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data   

  3. Otonabee Region Conservation Authority website  

This Flood Watch Update message will expire Tuesday, April 18 unless updated earlier.                                                               

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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.

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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:

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.

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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.

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