Winter Reminders: Help Keep our Community Safe

As winter approaches, the Town of Penetanguishene would like to remind residents of important seasonal guidelines to ensure safety, accessibility, and community harmony throughout the colder months. These measures help keep our roads clear, protect public infrastructure, and maintain a safe environment for everyone.

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Garbage and Recycling Bin Placement

During winter, snowbanks and plowed streets can make waste collection challenging. Residents are asked to place garbage and recycling bins at the edge of their driveway, ensuring they are visible and accessible for collection crews. Bins should never be placed on the road or sidewalk, as this creates hazards for vehicles and pedestrians. Avoid setting bins on top of snowbanks, as they may tip over or be missed during pickup.

Organics, Recycling and Garbage - Simcoe County

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Remove Large Items from Driveway Ends

To allow snowplows to operate safely and efficiently, residents must remove large objects such as basketball nets, planters, and decorative items from the ends of driveways. These items can obstruct snow removal equipment and pose a risk to operators and other motorists.

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Flashing Traffic Lights at Main Street and Robert Street

During slippery road conditions, the Town of Penetanguishene may activate flashing traffic lights at the intersection of Main Street and Robert Street. Both drivers and pedestrians must obey the traffic signals that control the intersection.

When approaching Main Street, drivers will see a flashing amber light. This is not a four-way stop—drivers on Main Street have the right of way but should proceed with caution and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. Pedestrians should remember that vehicles are not required to stop for a flashing amber light, so extra care is needed before crossing.

Drivers on Robert Street will encounter a flashing red light, which requires a complete stop. Vehicles may only enter the intersection when it is safe to do so, similar to a stop sign. Pedestrians should remain alert, as vehicles turning from Main Street may still be moving.

Please note that when flashing lights are activated, audible crossing devices will be temporarily disabled. This constitutes a temporary Disruption of Service under the Accessibility Customer Service Standard during the winter season.

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Do Not Deposit Snow on Roads

Residents and contractors are prohibited from pushing or blowing snow onto municipal roads. Doing so creates dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians and violates Town policy. Snow should be kept on your property or disposed of in a safe manner.

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Be a Good Neighbour

Snow removal can be frustrating, but please do not blow or shovel snow onto your neighbour’s property. While the Town does not enforce this, we encourage respectful practices to avoid disputes and maintain positive community relationships.

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Bulky Item Waste Collection: Littering By-law #2012-13, Section 3. General Provisions as amended.

There is no bulky item collection during the winter months. Non-collectable items placed at the curb will be stickered, and owners will be billed if Town staff must remove them. Please store these items until regular collection resumes in the spring.

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Parking Restrictions

Winter parking regulations are in effect from November 1, 2025, to April 1, 2026, between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., as outlined in By-law 2022-02 (as amended). During this period, parking is strictly prohibited on all roads and shoulders during these overnight hours to allow for safe and efficient snow removal operations. Municipal parking lots must also remain clear to ensure plows can access and maintain these areas. Timed parking limits remain in effect throughout the winter:

• Main Street and Robert Street: 2-hour limit
• Peel Street: 4-hour limit

Violations may result in fines or towing.

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Fire Hydrant Access

The Penetanguishene Fire Department asks residents to clear snow around fire hydrants near their property. This simple step can save valuable time during emergencies and help firefighters protect lives and property.

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Additional Resources

For details on the Town’s winter maintenance standards and policies, visit penetanguishene.ca.

Questions or Concerns?

If you have questions about winter operations, parking, or by-law enforcement, staff contact information can be found on our website or by reaching out directly to the following departments: