Orillia receives city’s 2nd highest snowfall since 1871 as crews work on removal

Road crews work to remove snowbanks after record snowfall in Orillia, Ont. (City of Orillia)

The City of Orillia received its second highest snowfall in January in 154 years, with 160.4 centimetres of the white stuff.

Crews began cutting back snowbanks last week in areas designated priority “where roads are narrowing or where snowbanks are blocking sightlines.”

“As per our Council-approved Winter Control Policy, the City prioritizes snowbank removal in downtown Orillia (BIA) and major arterial roads where bank height impacts safety. Snowbank removal in residential areas is based on maintaining a five-metre-wide travel lane,” the City stated.

Residents are reminded to be cautious around snowbanks as they can be unstable, never allow children to play near or on them, keep pets away, and keep a safe distance from snow removal equipment.

According to the City, plows are deployed when five centimetres has accumulated.

Property owners are responsible to remove vehicles from the street so crews can plow safely, and avoid on-street parking between midnight and 7 a.m. during winter months.

The City also recommends piling snow on the right-side of your driveway - if facing the street - to help minimize snow piles created by plows clearing the street.