February 15, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 14, 2025 Ontario Faces Road Salt Shortage Amid Increased Winter DemandMilton, February 14, 2025: Snow and ice management professionals across Ontario are facing challenges due to a widespread road salt shortage brought on by an increased number of snow events this winter. More frequent snowfall and colder temperatures have led to heavier salt application, impacting supplies across North America and putting pressure on suppliers to secure additional sources, which means higher costs.Adding to the pressure on businesses responsible for maintaining safe winter conditions for properties, roadways and pedestrian pathways, snow and ice removal contractors are compelled to use ample amounts of salt, even during smaller snow events, due to liability concerns. Ensuring surfaces remain ice-free is critical to preventing slips and falls, which can result in legal consequences. This increased precautionary use of salt is a further strain on inventory. "Our members are reporting increasing challenges in obtaining sufficient road salt supplies as well as increased prices, which impacts their business," said Joe Salemi, executive director of Landscape Ontario. "We encourage businesses to maintain open communication with clients regarding supply constraints and cost implications. Additionally, Landscape Ontario is actively advocating for further legislative changes to ensure a more balanced distribution of liability between contractors and property owners. This will help alleviate the pressure on contractors, reduce excessive salt use as a risk mitigation strategy, and create a fairer system for winter maintenance responsibility." Safety remains the top priority, and the efforts are ongoing to secure additional bulk salt and de-icing materials for the Southern Ontario market. |
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Penny Tantakis Director of Communications ptantakis@landscapeontario.com 416-930-8463 About Landscape OntarioLandscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association (LO) is the province's premier horticultural trades association, with 3,000 professional members, 10 regional chapters and 10 sector groups. Its mission is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable climate for the advancement of the landscape horticulture industry in Ontario. |