The Township of Douro-Dummer is declaring a Significant Weather Event (SWE) due to the major ice storm expected to begin this evening, Friday, March 28, 2025. Environment Canada has issued a freezing rain warning with up to 30 hours of freezing rain forecast for our area. It is highly probable that we will be dealing with icy roads along with widespread power outages and downed trees. This declaration is made in accordance with Ontario Regulation (O. Reg.) 239/02.

As per the regulation, a municipality in Ontario has the authority to declare a Significant Weather Event when severe weather conditions are anticipated to pose a significant hazard to roadway users. The declaration of a SWE suspends the usual winter maintenance timelines until the event is officially deemed to have ended.

During a SWE, the Township will closely monitor the weather and deploy necessary resources to address the conditions. Winter maintenance activities will begin when deemed appropriate, with the standard timelines for such activities resuming once the event has concluded.

What does this mean for residents?

The intent of a SWE Declaration is to notify the residents of the Township that, due to current and forecasted conditions, extra caution is to be exercised when travelling on Township-maintained roads during the event. Due to the challenging weather conditions, it may take Public Works crews longer than usual to bring the conditions of the roads, parking lots, and sidewalks back to a state of repair.

Motorists and pedestrians should use an appropriate level of caution when travelling during a SWE and consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.

For more information, please click here to read the full Declaration of Significant Weather Event.