Roads and Sidewalks

Road construction presents many hazards for drivers. As roads narrow and lanes decrease, traffic will slow or come to a complete stop. Traffic patterns may change and drivers will have to deal with uneven surfaces and narrowed lanes bordered by barricades and signs.

These dangerous conditions create the perfect opportunity for road construction accidents if motorists are not paying attention and following the rules of the road.

Stay safe while travelling through construction zones with these tips:  

Adhere to posted speed limits and other signage on the road.

• Speed limits change in construction zones for a reason. Make sure you follow posted signage and exercise caution in construction zones.

Avoid distractions while driving.

• Only use your cell phone when parked, pre-set climate control and plan your route with a GPS before departing. Eliminating distractions will help you stay focused on the road.

Plan ahead to avoid delays.

• Give yourself extra time for your commute. Know where construction zones and other delays are beforehand so they're not unexpected and cause a delay.

Treat construction zones as if they were your own workplace.

• Construction zones are road builders' workplace. Show respect for the workers by treating it as if it were your own workplace.

Traffic Signs

Traffic signs give you important information about the law, warn you about dangerous conditions and help you find your way. Signs use different symbols, colours and shapes for easy identification.

Signs you can see on Ontario roads can be found here.

Stopping at Stop Signs 

Stop signs are put in place for a reason, and it’s actually illegal not to stop completely at each one you come across.

Here are three reasons why you should always stop:

The Law Requires Stopping

It’s a simple answer, but you should always stop at a stop sign simply because it’s illegal not to. Doing so at any time can warrant a traffic violation ticket. 

The Safety of Others

The safety of others as well as yourself can be compromised by rolling through a stop sign. Pedestrians rely on drivers stopping in order for them to cross the street safely. A quick glance can easily miss pedestrians crossing, especially small children, resulting in a pedestrian accident or a traffic accident with another vehicle.

Creates a Sense of Uncertainty

The road is no place for uncertainty, but that’s what a rolling stop gives to other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. If another individual is unsure whether you will roll through or completely stop at a stop sign, it can affect his or her actions and driving decisions in a destructive or unsafe way.

Motorist Safety

Be visible. Be Seen.

To increase road safety:

• Avoid distractions and be more aware of pedestrians and cyclists
• Slow down during dangerous weather conditions and poor visibility
• Ensure windshield wiper fluid is full and wipers are functioning properly
• Make sure headlights are on when daylight is fading and at night

Be visible. Be Seen.

Did you know, from half hour before sunset to half hour after sunrise, you must have a front white light and either a rear red reflector or rear red light. You also need to have a light on your bike when it’s dark due to rain, fog, or snow.

Without a light, you become invisible at night. With lights, reflectors, reflective tape, and bright clothing, you can be seen again.

The Ontario Highway Traffic Act requires that all cyclists have proper lighting when riding in the dark

• A white light at the front
• Either a red light or reflector at the rear
• There is a $110 fine for riding without lights in Ontario

Tips for being seen at night

• Use a flashing red LED rear light; it is more visible than a steady red light
• Wear light coloured clothing
• Wear a safety vest or jacket with reflective material
• Use a front headlight
• Use spoke & pedal reflectors on your bike
• Wear a strobe light on your arm

For additional safety measures visit ontario.ca/page/bicycle-safety.

Be visible. Be seen.

As a pedestrian, you can help keep the roads safe for everyone. Here are some safety tips:

• Avoid wearing dark clothing at night
• Wear reflective items or clothing and walk with a flashlight to make themselves more visible to motorists
• Cross streets at designated cross walks or intersections
• Avoid distractions and make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street

As a pedestrian, you can help keep the roads safe for everyone by following these rules for road crossing:

At pedestrian crossings

• Cross only at marked pedestrian crossing, not the middle of a block or between parked cars
• Cross only when the driver has fully stopped
• Hold your hand out in front of you indicating you are waiting to cross the road
• Make sure drivers see you before you cross, make eye contact before stepping onto the road

At a traffic light

• Cross when traffic has come to a complete stop
• Begin to cross at the start of the green light or “walk” signal, where it is present
• Don’t begin crossing if you see a flashing “do not walk” symbol or the light turns yellow
• If you already started to cross, complete your crossing in safety
• Never cross on a red light
• Watch for traffic turning at intersections or turning into and leaving driveways

Sidewalks

If there is no sidewalk on a street, or if you use a wheelchair or scooter and the sidewalk you encounter is not wheelchair-accessible street, you should:

• Travel along the left shoulder of the road facing oncoming traffic
• Look for a way to get onto a sidewalk safely as soon as you can

• When skies are dark or there are poor weather conditions, travellers have reduced visibility and are at greater risk Drivers, pedestrians and cyclists can follow these important tips to arrive safely

For additional safety members visit ontario.ca/page/pedestrian-safety.

Civic Addressing (Fire Number)

If you have a property that does not have a Fire Number issued, you can apply for a civic number

Maintenance and Construction Updates 

Municipal 511 displays all current road construction, road closure and maintenance activities.

Entrance Permits

If you plan on creating, changing, widening or modifying your driveway or entrance in any way, you will need to apply for an entrance permit.

Load Restrictions

The reduced load restrictions of 5 tonnes per axle will be in effect beginning Wednesday, February 15, 2023, and continue until further notice.

The annual reduced load period for all highways under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Grey Highlands is typically March 1st to May 1st. Under the authority of the Reduced Load By-law 2019-018, the reduced load period may be altered if the Director determines that the condition of the highway is such that there is risk of damage to the highway if the reduce load is not imposed. The recent fluctuations in weather patterns have been negatively impacting many road surfaces. Roads will be monitored and further updates will be posted as conditions warrant.

Depending on existing and forecasted environmental conditions and the existing condition of the road network, the Director of Transportation & Public Spaces may, at his discretion, extend the “Load Restriction” period if deemed necessary. Check the Municipal website for updates.

Not all roads have signs posted. The restriction applies to all Municipal roads, regardless of where signs are posted.
Under the Highway Traffic Act, Section 122, reduced load restrictions are placed on trucks to protect Ontario's highways during spring thaw, when road damage is most likely to occur. Enforcement will be provided by the MTO and OPP officers. 

Parking

Parking on municipal roads is regulated through our Parking By-law. Our By-law Enforcement Officer responds to any parking complaints or infractions within the municipality.

As a courtesy to local businesses relying on curbside pickup, please limit on-street parking to 2 hours in business areas.

The Municipality has implemented a Private Road Grant Program to help private road associations with the costs incurred from maintaining the private road. Grant applications are to be submitted each year by September 30th.

Eligible costs for road maintenance may include snow plowing, road grading, tree removal and trimming, noxious weed control, gravel, dust control, roadside grass cutting, road drainage including ditches and catch basins, road reconstruction and road surfacing. 

Grants are calculated based on the length of road, on a per-linear metre basis (one-way) and the amount of any grant (if any) shall be at the discretion of the Municipality. 

Private road associations with existing maintenance agreement with the Municipality are not eligible to apply. 

Report a Problem

Transportation Staff are responsible for maintaining municipal roads and sidewalks including patrolling to check for:

• Potholes
• Cracks
• Signage repairs
• Winter road conditions
• Street light repairs

Please report any problems you see on a municipal road or sidewalk.  

For after-hour road emergencies, please call 519-986-4069.

The Transportation and Environmental Services Department is responsible for winter maintenance on municipal roads and sidewalks. Crews work diligently to clear snow and ice quickly, in accordance with the Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways, O. Reg. 239/02.

County roads are the responsibility of Grey County and are named numerically (Grey Road 4, Grey Road 14, etc). Questions related to Grey County roads should be directed to 519-376-7337. 

Click here for Grey County road conditions, closures and cameras. The text list of road issues and conditions can be found at the bottom of the page.

Highway 10 is a Provincial road and is the responsibility of the Ministry of Transportation. Questions can be directed to the Owen Sound office at 519-376-7350.
Click here for Provincial Highway Road Closures. 

Related Links

Environment Canada Weather Office - Owen Sound

The Weather Network Forecast - Grey Highlands

Winter Driving Tips from Canada Safety Council

Winter Driving - Be Prepared, Be Safe!

If a Significant Weather Event has been declared in accordance with the Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways, O. Reg. 239/02, the information will be posted here.

For after hours road emergencies please call 519-986-1216 ext. 198

For all other emergencies, call 9-1-1

Residents are reminded that restrictions for on-street parking are in effect during winter months. Parked vehicles reduce our ability to efficiently clear roads during snow events.

From November 15th to March 31st, there is no parking on any municipal road or street from 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Parked vehicles in contravention of the Municipality's By-law to Regulate Parking, By-law No. 2019-104 will be issued a penalty notice which may include a $30 fine and the vehicle being towed at the owner's expense. The operational condition of a vehicle is not an exemption to these requirements.

The Municipality would like to thank motorits in advance for their continued support in making our streets safer through the winter season. 

Weather and road conditions can vary widely due to the size and geography of Grey Highlands. Motorists are encouraged to check the weather conditions before venturing out.

Grey County Road Conditions, Closures and Cameras

Ontario 511 Road Conditions

Ontario 511 Road Closures

Environment Canada Weather Office – Owen Sound

The Weather Network Forecast – Grey Highlands

Winter Driving Tips from Canada Safety Council

Winter Driving Tips for Ontario Drivers from Ministry of Transportation