The City of Barrie has taken the proactive step of declaring a Significant Weather Event as persistent and powerful wind squalls sweep across the region. The primary concern for municipal officials is the safety hazard posed by unsecured residential waste and recycling carts, which can be easily blown onto snowy and icy roadways, creating dangerous obstacles for drivers.
Why Loose Bins Pose a Winter Danger
During winter conditions, visibility is often reduced and road surfaces are treacherous. A garbage or recycling cart that rolls into the path of a vehicle can cause a serious accident. The high winds, which are expected to continue, significantly increase this risk. The declaration of a Significant Weather Event is a formal notice that indicates normal municipal winter maintenance standards may not be met due to the ongoing severe conditions, placing extra onus on residents to do their part for community safety.
What Barrie Residents Need to Do
City officials are urging all residents to take immediate action to secure their waste collection carts. The key recommendations are straightforward but crucial for preventing accidents.
Residents should ensure their carts are placed on a level, cleared surface away from the curb on collection day. It is advised to wait until the morning of pickup to put carts out, rather than the night before, to minimize their exposure to high winds. After collection, carts should be retrieved from the curb as promptly as possible.
Furthermore, citizens are reminded to keep carts clear of snowplow routes. A cart hidden by a snowbank can be damaged by plows or become an unseen projectile. Proper placement and retrieval are essential services that residents can perform to aid the city's public works crews during this challenging weather event.
Broader Context of Ontario's Severe Weather
Barrie's situation is not isolated. The news comes amid a series of severe weather disruptions across Ontario. Other communities in midwestern Ontario are grappling with extensive road closures, with authorities pleading with drivers not to ignore closure signs. The South Bruce OPP reported stopping a bus driver twice in one day for driving on a closed highway, highlighting the persistent dangers.
Meanwhile, Environment Canada has maintained snow squall alerts for various regions, and a long list of service disruptions and cancellations remains in effect province-wide due to the relentless winter storms. The declaration in Barrie underscores the interconnected nature of municipal response and personal responsibility in ensuring safety during Canada's harsh winter months.
