Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): Winter is not yet over, but several Ontario municipalities are already facing shortages of road salt, forcing adjustments to how roads and sidewalks are treated during snow and ice events.
Cities across the province report that an early start to winter, combined with more frequent and intense precipitation, has led to faster-than-expected use of salt supplies. Municipal crews are responding by rationing salt, increasing the use of sand, or applying blended materials to stretch existing stockpiles.
In parts of southwestern Ontario, rainfall and snowfall totals during November and December significantly exceeded seasonal averages. Municipal officials say the unusually wet and snowy conditions have required more frequent de-icing operations, accelerating salt consumption.
To conserve supplies, some communities are prioritizing major roads and high-risk areas while relying more heavily on plowing before applying salt. Others have introduced stricter salt management practices, including enhanced weather monitoring and staff training aimed at reducing unnecessary use.
Counties and smaller municipalities have also reported delays in salt deliveries to storage yards, requiring plow operators to modify their de-icing strategies. While shipments continue to arrive, officials say replenishment remains slower than expected.
Salt producers in the province say operations are running at full capacity, with crews working continuously to meet demand. Despite this, supply constraints have forced distributors to prioritize municipal clients, leaving private contractors and businesses scrambling to source salt from outside Ontario.
Some suppliers have turned to out-of-province sources, including Quebec, a move that significantly increases transportation costs. Those added expenses are often passed on to customers, raising concerns about higher winter maintenance costs for property owners and businesses.
Federal weather data shows that much of southern Ontario has experienced snowier and wetter conditions this winter. Meteorologists attribute the trend to a warmer atmosphere capable of holding more moisture, increasing the likelihood of heavy precipitation events. December temperatures were also colder than normal, further compounding snow and ice accumulation.
While road salt plays a critical role in keeping drivers and pedestrians safe, experts note that overuse carries environmental risks, including harm to waterways and vegetation. Municipalities say they are trying to balance safety needs with supply limitations and environmental concerns as winter continues.
Despite current challenges, some cities report they still have sufficient salt reserves to manage upcoming storms, provided conditions do not worsen significantly.
