The Municipality of Casselman is modifying certain winter road maintenance practices in response to a province-wide shortage of road salt affecting communities across Ontario.

Municipal officials say a combination of early winter weather, frequent storms, and ongoing supply chain challenges has significantly reduced the availability of road salt this season, prompting adjustments aimed at conserving remaining materials while maintaining road safety.

To extend its salt supply for the remainder of the winter, municipal crews will increasingly rely on sand-salt mixtures rather than applying straight salt. According to the municipality, this approach helps improve traction on icy surfaces while ensuring salt reserves remain available for priority situations, such as severe storms or hazardous road conditions.

However, Mayor Geneviève Lajoie says the situation remains under control locally.

“From a mayor’s perspective, I’d say not serious at all,” Lajoie said in an interview, emphasizing that the municipality acted early to mitigate potential impacts.

Preventative measures taken in December

According to Lajoie, Public Works staff first identified the risk of supply constraints in December and took preventative action by ordering additional quantities of salt.

That proactive approach allowed the municipality to maintain an adequate reserve heading into the latter half of the winter season.

Crews began incorporating a sand-salt mixture into operations on February 8 as part of a resource management strategy. While sand improves traction, it does not melt ice or create bare pavement in the same way as straight salt.

Lajoie added that because of the municipality’s early bulk order, it is possible Casselman may not need to rely heavily on the mixed approach. The blend will be used when staff determine it is necessary based on weather conditions and remaining supply levels.

Weather conditions for the remainder of the winter will continue to be a determining factor in how resources are allocated.

No additional financial pressure

Lajoie confirmed that the modified maintenance approach has not created additional financial strain for the municipality.

“It’s all within their budget. No extra anything, just status quo,” she said.

Municipal officials have also stressed that the current adjustments remain within established service levels and align with practices adopted by municipalities across Ontario facing similar supply challenges.

Changes residents may notice

As a result of the revised maintenance strategy, roadways may appear more snow-packed than usual, particularly during extended periods of colder temperatures when sand use is increased.

While traction is maintained, motorists should not expect the same bare-pavement conditions typically achieved through straight salt applications.

The municipality is encouraging residents to take additional precautions while travelling, including allowing extra travel time, reducing speeds, increasing following distances, and driving according to road conditions.

Residents are also reminded not to push snow onto roads, sidewalks, or drainage areas, as doing so can create hazards and interfere with maintenance operations. Proper waste bin placement on collection days and adherence to winter parking restrictions are also important to ensure plow access.

Confidence for the remainder of winter

Despite the province-wide shortage, Lajoie said the municipality is not concerned about maintaining road safety through the remainder of the season.

“We’re not stressed at all. Our roads are going to be maintained throughout the rest of this really long winter,” she said.

Officials reiterated that the temporary measures are designed to balance safety with responsible resource management until normal salt supplies are restored.