Peterborough and the Kawarthas Under Severe Thunderstorm Watch
/Peterborough and the Kawarthas are under a severe thunderstorm watch that can take effect on Wednesday.
Photo courtesy of Jay Callaghan.
Peterborough Blogs
Selwyn Lifts Significant Weather Event From Friday
/After reviewing Environment Canada weather reports and current conditions, the Township of Selwyn’s Significant Weather Event has been lifted, announced on Monday morning.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The Significant Weather Event was declared on Friday due to the impending winter storm.
The Township says that the weather has subsided enough that it can meet their required maintenance objective timelines.
Drivers and pedestrians are reminded to use caution while navigating in winter weather conditions. Selwyn assures that their Public Works crew are continuing with regular winter maintenance activities.
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Selwyn Declares Significant Weather Event With Impending Winter Storm
/Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for Friday as conditions continue, announced by the Township of Selwyn.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The township urges those to consider postponing nonessential travel until conditions improve. Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays.
The Township of Selwyn is declaring a significant weather event, as per Ontario Regulation (O. Reg.) 366/18 section 16.9; which amended O. Reg. 239/02.
As per Regulation 366/18, an Ontario Municipality may declare a significant weather event when a weather hazard is approaching or occurring and can potentially pose a significant danger to users of the roadways over which they have authority.
This declaration suspends the standard timelines required for municipalities to meet their winter maintenance objectives until the municipality declares that the significant weather event has ended. In each case, during a declared significant weather event, the standard for addressing winter maintenance is to monitor the weather and deploy resources to address the issue starting from when the municipality deems it appropriate. When the municipality has declared the event has ended, the standard timelines for winter maintenance activities will begin.
The Township of Selwyn wishes to note that the declaration of a significant weather event is not a notice of a reduced level of service. The declaration is to notify the residents of the Township that due to the current forecasted conditions, caution is to be exercised when travelling on Township maintained roads, and it may take longer than usual to bring the conditions of the roads back to a state of repair.
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Peterborough to Face Significant Snowfall With Possible Risk of Freezing Rain Starting Tuesday
/Significant snowfall of 10 to 15 cm or higher with a risk of freezing rain could hit Peterborough beginning Tuesday and into the night, according to Environment Canada.
File Photo.
Tuesday is expected to be cloudy with snow beginning around noon in the forecast. The risk of freezing rain could start late afternoon with a wind chill of -10 in the morning, blowing southeast at 30 kph.
A major winter storm is expected to move into portions of southern Ontario, as snow could be heavy at times with a risk of freezing rain. The snow is expected to change to rain Tuesday night as temperatures rise above the freezing mark.
Environment Canada says difficult travel conditions are likely with the risk. Snowfall warnings or winter weather travel advisories may be issued for some regions as this event draws nearer.
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Peterborough Possibly Expecting Freezing Rain For Saturday
/Environment Canada has stated that Peterborough could be facing freezing rain on Saturday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
They estimate that it could begin Saturday morning and finish around the afternoon.
There could be patchy freezing rain that leads to light ice accretion or build-up. Icy and slippery conditions are possible, particularly on untreated surfaces.
For areas closer to Lake Ontario, Environment Canada suspects mainly rain is expected as temperatures should be above the freezing mark.
Freezing rain warnings may be required for some areas.
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Winter Weather Travel Advisory Issued For Peterborough Until Tuesday Morning
/A winter weather travel advisory is in effect for Monday night, issued by Environment Canada.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The advisory is in effect from this evening into early Tuesday morning.
Peterborough could expect snowfall amounts of 5 to 10 cm, possibly higher. Drivers could face reduced visibility in heavy snow and local blowing snow with icy and slippery road conditions.
Environment Canada predicts that rain showers are expected to quickly change to snow this afternoon or evening as colder air moves into southern Ontario. Snow could become heavy at times during the evening or overnight. Increasing northwest winds gusting to 50 km/h may result in localized areas of blowing snow in exposed areas.
Travel may be hazardous due to sudden changes in the weather.
Environment Canada reminds drivers to be prepared to adjust your driving to changing road conditions. Turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance if visibility is reduced while driving.
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Snow-Clearing Crews Ready 24/7 For Winter Weather Says The City of Peterborough
/The City of Peterborough has stated that snow-clearing crews are ready to respond 24/7 for the community when winter weather arrives.
Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.
“Snow clearing on roads, sidewalks and trails helps residents move around the City safely when the snow falls,” said Michael Papadacos, Acting Commissioner, Municipal Operations. “Our crews clear the way, so you can get to work, visit friends and family, go to the store, or get around town for the many other activities that happen in our community.”
The City clears roads, bike lanes and sidewalks based on regulated maintenance standards.
Their snow-clearing operations include:
18 plow trucks, two graders, seven loaders and backhoes and four light sanding units to cover 978 kilometres of roads
11 sidewalk plows to cover 450 kilometres of sidewalks
Maintenance of 39 kilometres of trails and 650 bus stops
Service levels
Snow-clearing operations are based on a priority route system.
Roads that see the highest traffic volume, are on transit routes or pass by the hospital are the highest priority for maintenance in winter weather. Arterial and collector roads are cleared first as required by legislated standards.
Once the arterial and collector roads are clear or safe, snow-clearing operations shift to residential or local streets.
Depending on the storm's severity, the time it takes to finish snow clearing can vary. A big storm with snowfall over a long time may mean clearing snow from neighbourhood streets takes longer.
The City follows the provincial guidelines set under the Municipal Act, 2001, O. Reg. 239/02: Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways. The regulations categorize and prioritize roads based on traffic volumes and speed limits – the greater the volume of traffic and the greater the speed limit on the roads, the greater the priority for snow and ice clearing. The guidelines also include standards for the winter maintenance of bike lanes along roads and sidewalks.
Snow clearing in the downtown
As snow accumulates during the winter, City crews regularly remove snowbanks in the downtown area. No parking signs are posted before the snowbank removal work to keep the space clear for the snow removal.
Winter parking restrictions
Parking rules change in the snowy season to assist with snow-clearing work. Keeping streets clear overnight allows for better, quicker snow clearing of City streets.
From Dec. 1 to April 1, parking is prohibited on all City streets from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. The fine for a violation is $25.
During a snowstorm, when snow-clearing operations are underway, no parking is permitted on any City street. The fine is $80 for this violation and vehicles may be towed. Snow-clearing operations typically take place between midnight and 8 a.m.
Free overnight parking is permitted at all municipal parking lots, the King Street Parkade and the Simcoe Parking Garage. Vehicles parked overnight at either parking garage can obtain a gate arm ticket upon entry to the garage to be used for a free transit trip home.
Declaring a Significant Weather Event
Municipalities can declare a Significant Weather Event under the Municipal Act, 2001, O. Reg. 239/02, relating to maintaining municipal roads, sidewalks and bike lanes. All roadways in the municipality are deemed to be in a state of repair for snow accumulation during a Significant Weather Event declaration.
During a significant weather event, residents are advised to use caution and are reminded that typical winter maintenance service levels for roads may not be met. Motorists are advised to stay home and only use the roads for necessary travel.
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Peterborough Under Freezing Rain Warning
/A freezing rain warning is in effect for Peterborough and the surrounding area.
File photo
Environment Canada expects an approaching low-pressure system to bring snow, ice pellets and freezing rain to the area Wednesday afternoon (Nov. 8).
Expect snow or ice pellets to begin this afternoon before switching to freezing rain in the late afternoon or early evening. Environment Canada warns roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery.
It’s anticipated there will be ice build-up of two to five millimetres on some surfaces.
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Peterborough Public Health Issues Second Heat Warning of the Season
/Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has issued the second heat warning of the season that started Monday and is expected to continue into Thursday.
Daytime temperatures could reach between 29 – 34C according to PPH. Tuesday and Wednesday have an expected humidex near forty on both days. Slightly cooler temperatures are expected overnight.
PPH reminds the public that while extreme heat can put everyone at risk, health risks are greatest for people experiencing homelessness, older adults, infants and young children, those taking certain medications or with certain conditions such as respiratory, cardiac and psychiatric conditions and outdoor workers.
Anyone taking medication or having a health condition is urged to ask their healthcare provider if it increases their health risk in the heat and follow their recommendations.
Community Services:
One Roof Community Centre will extend its hours of service on Tuesday and Wednesday this week and will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. One Roof Community Centre provides services on behalf of the City of Peterborough and is located at 99 Brock St.
Peterborough Public Health continues to test beach water at the two beaches located within the City of Peterborough. Splash pads are extending operations until Monday.
Outdoor water bottle filling stations are available at City facilities in the following locations:
Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St.
Eastgate Park, 2150 Ashburnham Dr.
Peterborough Marina, 92 George St. N.
Members of the public are also able to refill a water bottle inside the following City facilities during hours of operation:
Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St.
Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.
Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd.
Kinsmen Civic Centre, 1 Kinsmen Way
Health Risks:
According to the PPH, people suffer heat-related illnesses when their body temperature quickly rises, and they are unable to cool themselves. The risk of heat-related illness increases with the amount of time spent in the heat, the temperature and an individual’s sensitivity to heat. If you feel faint, find it hard to breathe, or feel confused and disoriented because of the heat, PPH urges anyone to call 911 or go to the Emergency Department.
Heat illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat edema (swelling of hands, feet, and ankles), heat rash, and heat cramps.
Watch for symptoms of heat illness, which may include:
heavy sweating;
muscle cramps and/or headache;
weakness, dizziness, or fainting;
nausea or vomiting;
paleness, tiredness;
rapid breathing and heartbeat;
extreme thirst; or
decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine.
If you experience any of these, you should immediately move to a cool place and drink water.
How to Protect Yourself During Hot Weather:
Drink lots of water even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola.
Avoid going out in the direct sun or heat when possible. If you go outside, rest frequently in green spaces with lots of shade and plan to go out early in the morning or in the evening when it is cooler.
Use an air conditioner if possible, and if you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home, but keep windows slightly open.
Wear loose-fitting, light clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
Keep lights off or turned down low.
Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cold, wet towels.
Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.
Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.
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One Roof Peterborough Announces Extended Hours During Heat Warning
/One Roof Community Centre will be open for extended hours until 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday due to a heat warning issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
file photo.
Environment and Climate Change Canada that is forecasting temperatures up to 33 degrees for the Peterborough area.
One Roof Community Centre, which provides services on behalf of the City and County of Peterborough, is located at 99 Brock Street. Lunch will be served between 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
For full description of meals and other services that One Roof provides, visit the website. For information about how to protect yourself from extreme heat, visit the Government of Canada website.
Water Filling Stations
Outdoor water bottle filling stations are available at City facilities in the following locations:
Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St.
Eastgate Park, 2150 Ashburnham Dr.
Peterborough Marina, 92 George St. N.
Members of the public are also able to refill a water bottle inside the following City facilities during hours of operation:
Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St.
Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.
Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd.
Kinsmen Civic Centre, 1 Kinsmen Way.
Homelessness Services
Emergency shelters are open and available to people experiencing homelessness who require emergency overnight shelter:
YES Shelter for Youth (705-748-3851), 196 Brock St.
Brock Mission Men’s Shelter (705-748-4766), 217 Murray St.
Cameron House Women’s Shelter (705-748-4766), 738 Chemong Rd.
Overflow Shelter at 210 Wolfe St. (705-748-4766 – ask for Overflow Shelter)
