Winter 2025: Snowplow operations in Kawartha Lakes
Kawartha Lakes – With the first snowfall in Kawartha Lakes already behind us, we’re preparing for another busy season of snow and ice management across more than 5,400 lane kilometres of roadway.
As one of the largest geographic municipalities in Ontario, keeping our road network safe and passable during snowstorms and winter weather events is a significant undertaking! Here’s what you can expect this season, along with answers to some of the most common questions we receive.
Preparing for winter operations
Before the snow even begins, our roads team inspects, tests and calibrates all winter maintenance equipment to ensure it’s working safely and efficiently, and any issues identified during this process are prioritized for repair. Snowplow vehicles are used year-round (without the plow) and are maintained on an ongoing basis, so they are ready to respond quickly when winter weather arrives.
Kawartha Lakes operates over 70 snowplow routes, with winter operations typically starting at 4am during weather events. Depending on conditions, a full route can take up to ten hours to complete. Snowplow operators are each responsible for a designated route, and may need to travel along other roads (sometimes with the plow up) to reach their assigned area.
When snowplows and salt trucks are deployed
Winter maintenance is guided by the Council-approved Winter Maintenance Level of Service Policy and Ontario Regulation 239/02, which say when plowing, salting and sanding must occur for different classes of roads and sidewalks. These standards include regular patrolling and weather monitoring to determine when service is required.
Why main roads get cleared first
A common question from residents is why residential streets take longer to be cleared than main roads. Provincial legislation and the Winter Maintenance Level of Service Policy set out different timeframes for clearing based on road classification. Arterial roads and priority routes are serviced first to support emergency services, public transit and higher traffic volumes. Residential streets are cleared once these higher-priority areas are made safe. There is no fixed number of times a route is cleared per event; timing depends on snowfall amounts, weather conditions and road classification requirements.
Stay safe and informed
During significant winter events, we use several channels to help residents plan ahead and stay informed:
Municipal511 – Road closures, restrictions and real-time updates are posted here during winter weather events.
Environment Canada / WeatherCAN app – Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and extreme cold alerts from these official sources.
Kawartha Lakes website – The Snowplowing and Winter Maintenance page provides driving safety tips and seasonal information.
We’d also like to remind drivers to increase following distances, reduce speed during winter driving conditions and avoid passing active snowplows.
A thank you to our operators
Our snowplow operators work long shifts, often overnight and in challenging conditions, to keep roads safe. While we’re asleep in our warm and cozy beds, they’re out clearing the roads so that you can drive safely on your morning commute. We appreciate the patience and understanding of residents as crews work through their routes during each winter weather event.
---
Staying Connected
Activate your Jump Inbox to be the first to know about municipal news and events. Connect with us on Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
- 30 -
Media are welcome to visit our Media Portal for high resolution images.
Contact Us
Kawartha Lakes
P.O. Box 9000, 26 Francis Street
Lindsay, ON, K9V 5R8
Telephone: 705-324-9411
Toll free at 1-888-822-2225
After-hours emergencies: 1-877-885-7337
