A shortage at the Windsor salt mines is raising concerns about winter road maintenance across Ontario, but Norfolk County officials say steps have already been taken to reduce any local impact.
County staff confirm that salt domes remain stocked and winter operations continue as normal, despite the supply challenges affecting municipalities province-wide. To conserve salt, some routes that would typically be treated with salt have been switched to sand, a move officials say will not compromise safety or snow removal efforts.
Residents may notice a difference in road conditions following snow events, as sand does not melt snow in the same way salt does. This could result in a thin layer of snow remaining on roadways after plowing, though traction is expected to remain adequate.
By reducing salt usage and with milder temperatures in the forecast, Norfolk County expects its current supply to last through January. Officials also note that Windsor has indicated municipal customers will be prioritized as production stabilizes, with hopes of returning to standard winter operations as soon as possible.