Abstract Manager

Municipal governments are challenged to provide winter roadway operations by factors including expansion of road networks due to rapid urban development, public demand for Active Transportation services such as bike lanes and recreational trails, increased roles of technology and, public expectations of a high level of service.  The progressive Town of Aurora responded to these pressures in 2024 by commissioning an operational review to identify opportunities to improve its winter operations services.

The review included three key components; an update of its 2005 Salt Management Plan to address current Environment and Climate Change Canada targets and Transportation Association of Canada Best Practices, a review and update of its Policies to ensure that Ontario’s Minimum Maintenance Standards and industry best practices are met or exceeded and, development of a Strategic Plan to identify gaps and set future priorities based on the Key Performance Indicators of Environmental Stewardship and Infrastructure Protection, Public Safety, Level of Service, and Risk Management.  The scope of work included 11 specific activities supporting winter operations but focussed notably on advances in Road Weather Information and Maintenance Decision Support Systems, and Route Optimization for roadways and sidewalks.  The approach taken for all activities included a review of advanced technology, legislation and industry practice, consultation to gain practical experience from progressive peer agencies, synthesis and analysis. 

Project results and recommendations ensure that Aurora has the information needed to provide a high level of service today and is prepared to meet future needs in a cost-effective manner.