A province-wide road salt shortage is now having an impact in our region.
Merrickville-Wolford officials say the village is experiencing impacts from the shortage which was caused by increased winter weather events, frequent freeze–thaw cycles, and supply and transportation constraints.
They add that they have been advised by their salt supplier that there are minimal salt deliveries for the remainder of the winter season.
As a result of the shortage, officials say they have discontinued the use of straight salt and are now applying a salt/sand mix on roads.
With colder temperatures, they say residents should expect snow-packed road conditions rather than bare, wet pavement. They say salt is less effective in colder weather, even under normal conditions, and these conditions are expected to continue for the remainder of the winter season.
Residents may notice that some roads and sidewalks take longer to reach bare pavement, particularly during extended or back-to-back winter events.
Crews will continue performing regular winter maintenance operations and applying a salt/sand mix during and after each winter weather event.
