Public Works

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Contact Public Works

If this is a life-threatening emergency including a vehicle collision, please call 9-1-1.

For all Township road-related hazards please contact:

226-259-9400 during business hours

519-939-2600 after hours (road related hazards).

If the issue is on a County of Dufferin Road – Please contact Dufferin County Public Works at 519-941-2816 ext. 2600

Municipal511

For up-to-date road closures, visit Municipal 511. This platform provides regular updates to keep you informed on current road conditions across the area, ensuring you can plan your travels safely.

Load Restrictions

Half Load Restrictions for the Township of East Garafraxa - Now in Effect (March 1, 2025)

Load restrictions are in effect each year usually from March 1st to May 15th in the spring when roads are weakened by excess water and frost which can be damaged by heavy vehicles. To protect the roads, weight limits are in place until the roads are determined to be structurally sound. Permits are required to move excess loads during Half Load season. Please contact the office for further information.

Reason for Weight Requirements

In the spring, as frost comes out of the ground and moisture comes out of the road bed:

Roads become softer and weaker;
Heavy loads on roads can cause it to sink and break apart, which can lead to permanent damage;
Half-load restrictions are put in place to protect our roads and road beds from being damaged; and
Reduces the need of having to re-build a road after every spring thaw.

Time of Year

With spring thaw and changes in weather, half-load restrictions are generally from March 1st to May 15th. Exact dates are set each year, dependent on road conditions and temperatures.

Winter Information

Winter Parking

Take notice that under the provisions of the Highway Traffic Act, Section 170, Subsection 12 for the period of November 15, 2022, to March 31, 2023, or as deemed necessary.

No person shall park or stand a vehicle on a highway in such a manner as to interfere with the movement of traffic or the clearing of snow from the highway. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 170 (12).

Any vehicle obstructing snow removal operations will be referred to the OPP and shall be removed at the owner’s expense.

The term “highway” includes a common and public highway, street, avenue, parkway, driveway, square, place, bridge, viaduct or trestle, any part of which is intended for or used by the general public for the passage of vehicles and includes the area between the lateral property lines thereof.

Mailbox Damage

Mailboxes are most commonly damaged in winter due to snow, ice, or wind. If a mailbox or post is damaged by snow pushed from snowplows, the Township is not responsible for repairs.

However, if Township equipment (such as a plow) directly hits your mailbox or post, the Township will take responsibility. You must call the office and report the damage as soon as possible, and the Township will come out to investigate.

Please keep in mind that the Township is not responsible for winter maintenance on County Roads. If you live on a County Road and your mailbox is damaged, you must contact Dufferin County Public Works within 10 days to report the damage.

Also, please do not make repairs yourself, as we cannot reimburse you for any costs.

To report damage on a County Road, please contact Dufferin County Public Works at:

Phone: 519-941-2816 ext. 2600
Email: publicworks@dufferincounty.ca

Salt and Winter Maintenance

What can I do at home to help keep salt out of the environment?

Snow Clearing

No Person shall deposit snow onto the road or road allowance pursuant to the Highway Traffic Act, Section 181. Please note that this includes pushing the snow across the road to the road allowance.

Winter Driving

For information on how to get ready for winter and stay safe on the road visit the Ministry website

Dufferin County Winter Driving Video

Winter Tires

Putting winter tires on your vehicle:

Improves traction and control in frost, snow and icy conditions; and
Shortens braking distances by as much as 25%.

Check your tires regularly for wear and pressure. Cold weather can bring down your tire pressure, and worn or damaged tires make it harder to drive safely.