STORM CENTRE >>> February 20, 2021

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT IN EFFECT >>> A special weather statement has been issued by Environment Canada indicating that approximately 15 cm of snow is expected to begin overnight Friday and into Saturday across southwestern Nova Scotia, including the greater Bridgewater area. Details can be found by clicking here.

NO ON-STREET PARKING  >>> A reminder that during and after a storm, under Section 139 of the Motor Vehicle Act, no person is permitted to park on a street that could obstruct winter maintenance. Your vehicle could be towed, so please be prepared to find off-street parking during and after a storm as clean-up operations take place.

SNOW-CLEARING REMINDERS >>> Do not move or plow your snow on to a street or sidewalk. Not only is that not helpful to drivers and pedestrians alike, it's actually a violation of Section 318 of the Municipal Government Act. Under the rules in that section, no person shall deposit snow or ice on the travelled way of a street or near a portion of the travelled way that hinders clearing efforts. That regulation extends to citizens and private contractors who have been hired to conduct snow-related property maintenance.

SNOW CLEARING ORDER OF OPERATIONS
-- Roads are generally salted before a storm to deter the formation of a layer of ice on asphalt below snow cover.
-- Plowing typically begins when there is about 7 to 10 cm of snow down, with priority being given to primary routes within the first 12 hours after a storm. Supervisors are in communication with emergency officials during a storm to coordinate response to emergency calls as needed.
-- There are 70 kms of streets and 35 kms of sidewalks in Bridgewater, so cleaning up after a storm takes time. Be patient and, if possible, stay off the roads until snow clearing has taken place.
-- From 12 to 24 hours after a storm, focus areas generally include school zones, the downtown, secondary streets, then sidewalk maintenance.
-- Plow It Forward: if you can help a neighbour or volunteer to clear a fire hydrant, it helps your community!