With recent snowfall creating large, towering snowbanks, it’s tempting to start digging and building. However, snow structures built near roadways and driveways pose serious risks. Snowplows and passing vehicles can shift or collapse snowbanks without warning, turning a fun afternoon into a potentially life-threatening situation – especially if children are hidden from view.

Each year, emergency crews respond to incidents involving snow forts constructed too close to roads. Although roadside snowbanks may seem like the perfect building spot, they are not safe play areas. Drivers and plow operators may be unable to see a child playing in or around a snow structure near the street.

This is not just a local concern. Communities across Ontario face similar risks during the winter months. Municipalities throughout the province are encouraged to promote safe building locations and remind families to choose appropriate areas where children can enjoy winter activities without being exposed to traffic hazards.

Residents are urged to select safer spots for snow play, such as backyards, parks, or other designated play areas. With a little planning and awareness, families can enjoy the season while preventing avoidable accidents.

Let’s work together to keep winter full of fun – not emergencies. Stay safe and make smart choices when enjoying the snow.

Members of the Dufferin OPP remain committed to public safety through proactive, community-focused policing and appreciate the public’s ongoing support in helping keep neighbourhoods safe.

The post OPP Urges Residents To Keep Snow Forts Away From Roadways appeared first on Muskoka411.

“Clearing snow and ice away from your gas meter and the external exhaust outlets for your natural gas burning equipment helps ensure that both the meter and your appliances function safely,” said Chris Minor, Manager of Operations, Eastern and Northern Region, Enbridge Gas. “It also allows Enbridge Gas to access the meter in case of an emergency.”

Your natural gas meter set is designed to withstand winter weather conditions to keep you and your family warm and cozy. However, a gas meter covered in snow or ice can impede its function of controlling the pressure of the gas supplied to your home, which could lead to serious risks. Plugged external exhaust vents can cause the carbon monoxide emitted by these appliances to build up in your home, which is, of course, a safety hazard.

If you notice your meter or external appliance vent pipe is covered with snow, you can remove the snow carefully with a brush or broom. It is important to not scrape your meter or vent pipe with a sharp instrument, as this may cause unintended damage.

Enbridge Gas reminds customers of these additional safety precautions:

• Do not shovel, plow or blow snow up against the meter or vent pipe.
• Be careful not to bump your meter with a snow blower.
• Never kick your gas meter or vent pipes to clear ice and snow.
• Remove any icicles from overhead eaves troughs to ensure dripping water does not splash and freeze on the meter or vent pipe.

For more information, visit enbridgegas.com/safety/keep-your-meter-clear. If you suspect a problem or cannot remove the ice yourself, call Enbridge at 1-866-763-5427.

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“Clearing snow and ice away from the gas meter and the external exhaust outlets for your natural gas burning equipment helps ensure that both the meter and your appliances function safely,” said Chris Minor, Manager of Operations, Eastern and Northern Region, Enbridge Gas. “It also allows us to access the meter in the case of an emergency.”

Your natural gas meter set is designed to withstand winter weather conditions to keep you and your family warm and cozy. However, a gas meter covered in snow or ice can impede its function of controlling the pressure of the gas supplied to your home, which could lead to serious risks. Plugged external exhaust vents can cause the carbon monoxide emitted by these appliances to build up in your home, which is, of course, a safety hazard.

If you notice your meter or external appliance vent pipe is covered with snow, please remove the snow carefully with a brush or broom. Do not scrape your meter or vent pipe with a sharp instrument, as this may cause unintended damage.

Enbridge Gas reminds customers of these additional safety precautions:

• Do not shovel, plow or blow snow up against the meter or vent pipe.
• Be careful not to bump your meter with a snow blower.
• Never kick your gas meter or vent pipes to clear ice and snow.
• Remove any icicles from overhead eaves troughs to ensure dripping water does not splash and freeze on the meter or vent pipe.

For more information, visit enbridgegas.com/safety/keep-your-meter-clear. If you suspect a problem or cannot remove the ice yourself, call us at 1-866-763-5427.

The post Enbridge Reminds Customers To Keep Gas Meters And Vents Free From Ice And Snow appeared first on Muskoka411.

To facilitate snow removal operations, rotating closures block by block will be required. Residents and visitors are asked to use alternative routes to avoid snow removal activity.

Residents and visitors are also reminded that parking is prohibited on all municipal roadways and parking lots (with the exception of designated 24-hour and 7-day parking spaces in the Hiram Parking Lot), from October 16th to April 15th between the hours of 2:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.

Overnight parking restrictions are in place to ensure roads and parking lots are clear to accommodate traffic flow, emergency response vehicles, road maintenance vehicles and snowplows, regardless of the current weather condition or immediate weather forecast.

Vehicles obstructing snow removal operations may be subject to a fine and/or towed at the owner’s expense.

Thank you for your cooperation.

The post Downtown Snow Removal In Bracebridge appeared first on Muskoka411.

Residents are reminded to exercise caution while town trucks and machinery are conducting their work. Snow lift operations will also include reducing the height of snowbanks adjacent to school crosswalks in the locations noted below:

• Muskoka Rd. South (MR18) – From James St. to Talisman Drive
• Muskoka Beach Road (MR17) – From Winewood Ave (MR17) to Thain St W.
• Talisman Drive
• Phillip Street
• Muskoka Beach Road (MR17) – From Thain St W. to Catherine if time permits

Residents are reminded to do their part by moving their parked vehicles off town roads overnight. Any vehicles left on the road will be towed at the owner’s expense (By-law 2022-125). We appreciate your cooperation.

The post Snow Removal Operations Continue In Gravenhurst appeared first on Muskoka411.

Residents are reminded to exercise caution while town trucks and machinery are conducting their work. Snow lift operations will also include reducing the height of snowbanks adjacent to school crosswalks in the locations noted below:

• Muskoka Rd. North and South (MR18) – From James St. to Winewood Ave.
• Bay St. (MR 169) / Brock St. – From Bethune Dr. (MR41) to John St.
• Winewood Ave. (MR17) – From Muskoka Rd. North to Bethune Dr.
• Muskoka Beach Road (MR17) – From Winewood Ave (MR17) to Thain St W.

Residents are reminded to do their part by moving their parked vehicles off town roads overnight. Any vehicles left on the road will be towed at the owner’s expense (By-law 2022-125). We appreciate your cooperation.

The post Get Ready For Snow Removal Operations In Gravenhurst appeared first on Muskoka411.

The amount of snow will depend on how quickly precipitation changes to ice pellets, freezing rain or rain, although some locations may receive 15 to 25 cm of snow.

This is a heads up to the potential development of an impactful winter storm with heavy snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain. The exact track of this weather system is still somewhat uncertain, and as a result, expected snowfall amounts and precipitation types may change.

Warnings may be issued as this event draws nearer.

Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

More details on the alert are available here.

The latest status and details on all alerts, including alerts that are not part of your subscription, can be found here: https://weather.gc.ca/index_e.html?layers=alert

The post Impactful Winter Storm Likely Tuesday Afternoon Into Wednesday appeared first on Muskoka411.

Residents are encouraged to exercise caution while Town trucks and machinery are conducting their work. Snow lift operations will also include reducing the height of snowbanks adjacent to school crosswalks.

Residents are reminded to do their part by moving their parked vehicles off Town roads overnight. Any vehicles left on the road will be towed at the owner’s expense (By-law 2016-92). We appreciate your cooperation.

The post Snow Lift Operations Start Monday In Gravenhurst appeared first on Muskoka411.

To facilitate snow removal operations, rotating closures block by block will be required. Residents and visitors are asked to use alternative routes to avoid snow removal activity.

Residents and visitors are also reminded that parking is prohibited on all municipal roadways and parking lots (with the exception of designated 24-hour and 7-day parking spaces in the Hiram Parking Lot), from October 16th to April 15th between the hours of 2:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.

Vehicles obstructing snow removal operations may be subject to a fine and/or towed at the owner’s expense.

The town would like to thank you for your cooperation.

News release provided by the Town of Bracebridge.

The post Bracebridge Is Removing Snow From Several Streets Starting Sunday appeared first on Muskoka411.

Current details:
Winter weather travel advisory in effect beginning Thursday afternoon and ending late in the evening..

Hazards:
Total snowfall accumulations of 10 to 15 cm.
Reduced visibility in heavy snow.

A Colorado low is expected to bring snow beginning Thursday afternoon. The snow is expected to fall heavy at times through Thursday evening before tapering to light flurries near midnight.

Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.

Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas.

For road conditions and other traveller information from the Ministry of Transportation, visit https://www.ontario.ca/511, https://www.twitter.com/511Ontario, or call 5-1-1.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

The post Huntsville, Baysville, Parry Sound Should Prepare For 10-15cm Of Snow appeared first on Muskoka411.