Potholes often occur in the spring when snow is melting and frost develops. The Town regularly patrol streets and repair potholes in accordance with Ontario Regulation 239/02, Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways set by the Province.

Street cleaning takes place in spring, summer and fall. The street sweeper removes sand, leaves and debris that accumulates on roads and sidewalks. This stops the debris from entering storm water drains. The street sweeping program also improves the cleanliness of Town streets and parking lots.

It is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain trees on private property. The Town has the right to trim branches overhanging onto Town property (i.e. sidewalks and streets). The Town trims overhanging branches to avoid interference with equipment and for public safety.

If you have concerns that a tree is dying or in danger of falling, Public Works staff will help determine if the tree is on Town or private property.

Sidewalks are inspected in accordance with the Provincial Maintenance Standards for damage and hazards. Each year Town staff create a list and work to correct as many hazards as possible, within budget.

Pavement markings on Town streets are painted once a year, generally in the Spring. Line painting is completed by a contractor, in accordance with the Ontario Traffic Manual.

Various streets receive crack sealing each year. Crack Sealing uses a rubberized material to fill in small to medium sized cracks in the road surface which extends the lifecycle of a road. 

Catch basins are designed to drain excess rain and ground water from streets, parking lots and sidewalks into storm sewers. The Town performs routine patrols to assess the condition of catch basins and repair/replace as needed.

Staff clean up litter and debris, and remove deceased animals from the street as required.

The Town maintains and repairs streetlights, traffic signs and street signs. Please report outages, missing signs and concerns to the Town. Repairs may take up to 30 days to complete, depending on the nature of the repair required. Contractor scheduling and weather may cause delays.

What is a Pedestrian Crossover (PXO)?

The Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8 describes a Pedestrian Crossover (PXO) as any portion of a roadway distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by signs on the highway or other markings on the surface of the roadway as prescribed by the regulation. A PXO is a designated area that allows pedestrians to safely cross a roadway. PXOs are identified by special pavement markings, crossing signs and flashing lights. As per the Highway Traffic Act, vehicles and cyclists must stop, yield to pedestrians, and allow them to completely cross the roadway.

What to do at a PXO

Motorists:

• Watch for pedestrians (includes persons in wheelchairs or assistive devices) at existing and new PXOs and be prepared to stop before entering the crossover
• Only proceed through the crosswalk after pedestrians have cleared the entire roadway
• It is illegal to pass any other vehicle within 30 metres of the crosswalk.

Pedestrians:

• Press the button to activate the flashing beacon, if the PXO has an amber flasher
• Do not leave the curb or sidewalk or other place of safety at a pedestrian crossover and walk, run or move into the path of a vehicle that is so close to the crossover that they can’t safely stop before entering the crossover
• Cross only when traffic has come to a complete stop
• Make eye contact with the driver
• Indicate you want to cross before entering the crosswalk.

Cyclists:

• Only proceed through the crosswalk after pedestrians have cleared the entire roadway
• It is illegal to pass any other vehicle within 30 metres of the crosswalk
• Cyclists using the crosswalk must dismount and walk the bike across the roadway

PXO Locations

Snow clearing and sanding of municipal roads, sidewalks and parking lots is completed by Town staff. The Town provides winter maintenance operations in accordance with Ontario Regulation 239/02, Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways.

During a winter storm, we ask for the public's understanding and cooperation. Please be patient and drive according to road conditions. Avoid any non-essential travel when road conditions are poor.

Parking restrictions (By-Law #7252) are in effect from November 15 to March 31. However, if a snow or freezing rain event happens prior to November 15, parking restrictions will begin then. Parking is restricted between midnight and 7:00 a.m. on streets and in Town owned parking lots. Winter parking restrictions assist with safe snow clearing.

The plow damaged my lawn. Who will fix it?

The Town does not intentionally damage sod during plowing. However, due to the complexity of snow plowing, lawn damage can occasionally occur. If a snow plow damages your lawn, please contact the Town to be added to the assessment list. Town staff will complete the necessary sod repairs in the spring.

Why does it seem that my street is always the last to be plowed?

The Town follows Ontario Regulation 239/02, Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways. Roads are categorized into five main classes. Class 1, 2 and 3 are main arterial and collector roads, Class 4 and 5, include local residential streets. Plows are first deployed to clear main, arterial and collector roads, followed by local residential roads. Routes are created to make operations as efficient as possible.

Why does the plow truck always put snow in my driveway?

Snow must be plowed in the safest and most efficient way possible. Snow coming off of the plow is diverted to the right of the street, to keep it away from the street and traffic. This can result in snow at the end of your driveway called a windrow. Plow operators do not intentionally block driveways with snow. This is unavoidable and the Town does not clear windrows.

Will the Town remove high snow banks near my driveway?

Property owners are responsible for maintaining and clearing driveways, and ensuring proper sightlines for safe access. The Town removes snow within the downtown core and at intersections to maintain safe sightlines.

I have an appointment and my street isn't cleared, what do I do?

We receive many calls from residents asking for streets to be cleared because residents need to get to an appointment and want the street cleared immediately. We can't respond to these requests immediately, as our resources must follow their designated routes.

The plow hit my recycling bin. Can I get a replacement bin?

Please set your recycling bins and garbage back at least 4 feet away from the edge of your driveway. Plow trucks do their best to fully clear the street and at times the force of snow can be powerful. If your recycling bin was damaged please contact the Town at 613-283-4124 ext. 3302 or erichardson@smithsfalls.ca.