Ontario is currently grappling with a road salt scarcity as winter continues, prompting certain cities to adjust their strategies or ration their salt supplies. The increased demand for salt is a result of an early onset of winter and more severe weather conditions.
Guelph, for instance, has seen above-average precipitation levels, with 104 millimetres of rain and 30 centimetres of snow in November and December, compared to the usual 40 millimetres of rain and 10 centimetres of snow during this period. To stretch the salt supply, some cities are incorporating more sand or a sand-salt mixture in their de-icing efforts.
The Goderich Salt Mine in Perth County is facing challenges with salt deliveries, leading to adjustments in road de-icing procedures. Similarly, the City of Kitchener has experienced lower-than-expected salt supply, necessitating the implementation of conservation measures such as training for road teams, weather monitoring, and increased plowing before salting.
Despite the shortages, both Perth County and Kitchener affirm that they have sufficient salt for upcoming needs. However, the high demand for road salt has caused suppliers to prioritize municipalities, pushing private contractors to source salt from out-of-province suppliers like Quebec.
The Goderich Salt Mine, operating at full capacity with crews working around the clock, is struggling to meet the heightened demand. This intense demand has led to increased costs for sourcing salt from other provinces, ultimately impacting consumers.
Environmental and Climate Change Canada reports that much of southern Ontario has experienced wetter and snowier conditions this winter. The warmer atmosphere due to climate change has enabled it to hold more moisture, increasing the likelihood of significant precipitation events.
In addition, meteorologists have noted that December temperatures were below average across Ontario, which is uncommon for precipitation patterns during that period. These weather conditions have exacerbated the demand for road salt, creating challenges for municipalities and private contractors alike.