High winds are expected to increase this afternoon, power is out in the downtown area, traffic signals are not working in many places, some Town facilities are on standby power only, and roads are in challenging conditions. Temperatures have dropped and are now dangerous for those outdoors.

Office Closures and Warming Station

As of noon today, we have closed all Town offices, programs and facilities except the Arena, which will remain open as a warming station until further notice for any members of the public who are cold and without power. If at all possible, we encourage everyone to stay off the roads, unless they need to access the warming station. Please bundle up and use blankets to keep warm.

Declaration of Significant Weather Event

The Town of Kingsville has declared a Significant Weather Event concerning existing or potential hazardous weather conditions until further notice. This means:

• All roads and sidewalks maintained by the Town are considered to be in a “state of repair.”

• Drivers and pedestrians should use an appropriate level of caution when traveling during this event and avoid unnecessary travel if possible.

• Crews continue to work diligently to ensure public safety, but maintaining roadways and sidewalks may take longer than normal.

• The Town will provide updates as changes occur and when the Significant Weather Event has ended.

Street Parking ban

We are also declaring an on-street parking ban for the purpose of snow removal operations. On-street parking is now prohibited until further notice. Parking on residential streets during a ban carries a $35.00 fine (By-Law 63-2022). You can find alternate parking at one of our free municipal parking lots. Please also remove portable items (such as basketball nets and signs) from roadways and sidewalks to prevent damage. Thank you for helping keep our roads clear and safe for travel.

Communication

The Town phone line will remain open this afternoon to answer your questions. Please call us at 519-733-2305 if you require assistance. If you need emergency services, please call 911 directly. We will continue to provide updates as they become available through our website news portal and social media channels.

Snow update:

Staff have been working since 4:00 am to keep on top of the roads. Please drive with caution, or even better — avoid being on the road entirely.

We have had questions about garbage pickup, and our contractor has advised that they are doing Friday pick-up as usual.

The traffic signals at Main and Freshco Plaza have failed; we are working to resolve this.

If you ever see traffic lights out, remember to treat the intersection as a four-way stop. Stay warm, and drive safe!

Image by janeb13 from Pixabay