The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is reminding people that a new bylaw requires property owners outside the core to salt their sidewalks.
Property owners and occupants outside of the downtown core are now required to treat their sidewalks because salting is no longer voluntary.
In a news release late Friday afternoon, the municipality said it will continue to clear all snowy sidewalks to a depth of less than or equal to eight centimetres within 48 hours after snow has stopped falling, in accordance to the new bylaw, but property owners will now be required to de-ice or salt sidewalks fronting their homes or businesses within 24 hours after ice is formed or within 24 hours of the municipality releasing a notice that there is a substantial probability that ice will form.
The Public Works Department said it will issue a media release, post a notice on social media and post on the municipal website, to inform the public that pre-treatment of sidewalks with salt is required in the event of a "substantial probability" of ice formation, such as freezing rain, in the immediate forecast.
This winter, downtown cores are still cleared by the municipality when snow accumulation is greater than 7.5 centimetres and anti-icing material is spread to prevent slips and falls within 24 hours.
All other areas will have the sidewalk plowed by the municipality when snow accumulation is greater than eight centimetres with a minimum path of one metre to walk completed within 48 hours, but no salt or abrasive is spread in these areas by the municipality.
Public Works officials said if property owners or occupants ignore these salting requirements, a bylaw enforcement officer can issue a ticket and order them to treat the sidewalk.
If they do not comply with the order, a contractor to do the job will be called by the municipality and the bill will be sent to the property owner.
“This winter, we encourage citizens to work closely with neighbours to find common solutions. Simple actions, such as salting the sidewalks in front of your home, and your neighbour’s home, improves mobility for everyone," said Director of Public Works Ryan Brown. "If able, consider reaching out to an older adult, or someone with decreased mobility in your community this year. Winter can be challenging, but as a community, we can work together to ensure the safety of our sidewalks, and make winter in Chatham-Kent is a little less stressful for us all.”
The municipality maintains over 3,463 kilometres of road and 410 kilometres of sidewalks, bus stops, bridges, and pedestrian crossovers.