As the winter season continues and Thunder Bay experiences more winter weather events, the City’s Roads staff are dedicated to maintaining safe and reliable road conditions.

During snow events, the city's official Roads Maintenance Objectives policy guides snow removal efforts. The policy requires that:

  • Major roads are to be plowed when 5 cm or more of snow accumulates on the traveled portion of the road in a single storm event.
  • Local streets are to be plowed when there is an accumulation of 10 cm or more snow on the traveled portion of the road in one storm event.

Normally, the plowing of local roadways is completed within 72 hours from when the snow event ceases. However, this timeline may be extended if additional weather events occur within the 72-hour period. For instance, if crews have cleared the main routes after a snow event and have started on local streets, but another snowfall occurs, the focus will shift back to the main priority routes.

Local streets are continuously monitored and plowed once multiple smaller snow events have resulted in an actual accumulation of 10 cm or greater.

"Our crews are out after each snowfall to ensure that our roads remain safe and accessible during the winter months, said Ian Spoljarich, Manager - Roads. “ We understand the importance of clear roads in people’s daily lives and are committed to efficient and effective snow removal."

Additionally, the city will begin providing updates on snow clearing efforts online after each snow event. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting thunderbay.ca/snow.

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Contact:       Ian Spoljarich, Manager – Roads, 807-684-2408