Significant Weather Event Declared

For Immediate Release

January 26, 2026

Grafton, ON - The Township of Alnwick/Haldimand has declared a Significant Weather Event in accordance with Ontario Regulation 239/02 (Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways) with respect to the winter storm on January 25-26, 2026. This declaration is based on weather conditions that have been received and are currently occurring and is effective 9:30 a.m. on January 26, 2026 until further notice.

This declaration applies to all roads and sidewalks maintained by the Township and will remain in effect until weather and surface conditions have stabilized and the Significant Weather Event has ended.

This declaration suspends the Township’s standard timelines for winter maintenance service, allowing crews the flexibility to prioritize winter response activities due to the large amount of snow accumulation experienced throughout the Township. Residents are asked to be patient and know that roads and sidewalks will be cleared as soon as possible.

A Significant Weather Event is a declaration by the Township to recognize that an active weather event may affect the use of Township roads, sidewalks, pathways, and bike lanes. Community members are encouraged to monitor conditions, limit travel if possible, and exercise caution when using roads and sidewalks. Drivers should adjust speed and following distance to current road conditions and give space to snowplows and sidewalk clearing equipment.

Stay connected:

·        Visit www.ahtwp.ca and follow the Township’s social media Facebook page for snow-clearing updates.

·        Status of facility operations and programming (open/closed) and more will be posted and updated on the Township website.

Be a good neighbour - how you can help:

·        Parked vehicles on the roads can slow down the snow removal process. Park your car off the road whenever possible to help snowplows easily clear the roads.

·        Vehicles parking on the street may be ticketed if they are obstructing snow clearing operations.

·        Don’t shovel snow from your driveway onto the road.

·        If you can, help to clear the snow from the sidewalk in front of your home/business to help pedestrians.

·        If you have a fire hydrant on your property, please help keep it clear of snow. Every second counts in an emergency.

·        Keep all exhaust vents free and clear of snow and ice to prevent carbon monoxide build-up.

·        Operate generators and barbecues in well ventilated spaces outside.

·        Check on elderly neighbours.

During a Significant Weather Event, please give our teams time to finish clearing all routes and reach every area. Residents are asked to wait 24 to 48 hours after the snow stops before contacting the Township with service requests.

For more information:

Dave Dawson, CMIII CAO/Fire Chief

905-349-2822 | ddawson@ahtwp.ca