Public works crews in Sarnia have been much busier this winter season compared to the past few years in clearing snow and applying anti-icing brine on roadways.
General Manager of Engineering and Operations David Jackson said because of the busier than usual season, they expect to be approximately $200,000 over budget for 2025.
"We've had a few years of quite winters, we've kept that budget without increasing it. It was a busy year for us in 2025, and so we'll see how things work out for us in 2026," he said. "It's been a reasonable start for this year but obviously we can't predict what will happen the rest of the winter."
About $1.1 million was earmarked for winter maintenance through the 2025 budget.
Jackson said the numbers for 2025 are still being finalized and an update will be provided to council sometime in the spring.
"That will provide the final overall budget number from 2025 and then [we'll] seek council approval for where finance recommends to provide the funds to cover any excess," he said.
The city maintains 11 road plowing routes and five sidewalk routes. Jackson said contractors are available if needed during significant weather events.
This winter season, so far, has also seen fluctuating temperatures, resulting in a lot of watermain breaks.
"We're looking at the range of 150 (for 2025), which is significantly more than we've had in recent years," Jackson said.
Potholes have also been an issue across the city.
"That same kind of weather that's bad for watermains is really bad for the roads as well. Those freeze-thaws are when you get potholes," he said. "As it gets milder now and the snow's gone, then we're out there trying to cold patch those to get them through the winter. We'll try to do a better repair in the spring."
Jackson said most potholes are identified by city staff who regularly monitor roadways and public spaces but some are also reported to city hall by residents.
