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.

Horse & Buggy Safety

Slow down and use caution when approaching horse-drawn vehicles. Keep a safe distance when following and pass only when safe and legal to do so. Maintain ample distance from the horse when overtaking such traffic to avoid scaring or startling the horse.

Remember safety is everyone’s responsibility!

• Be aware of hazardous road conditions such as loose gravel, snow, and fog when passing.
• Be patient as horse- drawn vehicles take longer to get through intersections and require extra time for turns.
• Be mindful that drivers of horse-drawn vehicles may not be able to see you and the potential for left-hand turns across your lane of travel.

Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8 (ontario.ca)

Approaching ridden or driven horses, etc.

167 Every person having the control or charge of a motor vehicle or motor assisted bicycle on a highway, when approaching a horse or other animal that is drawing a vehicle or being driven, led or ridden, shall operate, manage and control the motor vehicle or motor assisted bicycle so as to exercise every reasonable precaution to prevent the frightening of the horse or other animal and to ensure the safety and protection of any person driving, leading or riding upon the horse or other animal or being in any vehicle drawn by the horse or other animal.  R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 167.

Brushing Policy A09-T-15  

Proposed Brushing Locations 2024

Euphrasia Proposed Brushing Locations 2024

Osprey Proposed Brushing Locations 2024/2025

The Transportation and Public Spaces 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. 

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!

A “Significant Weather Event” is defined as an approaching or occurring weather hazard with the potential to pose a significant danger to users of the highways within a municipality. Weather Hazards are determined by Environment Canada as meeting the criteria for the issuance of an alert under its Public Weather Alerting Program.

This declaration suspends the standard timelines required for municipalities to meet their winter maintenance objectives until the municipality declares the significant weather event has ended. Once an SWE has ended, standard timelines for winter maintenance activities will begin.  The times are in accordance with the Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways, O. Reg. 239/02

The intent of a declaration is to notify the public that due to the current weather conditions, caution is to be exercised when travelling on the Municipality's streets and sidewalks, and that it may take longer than usual to restore them to the normal condition.

For after hours road emergencies please call 519-986-4069.

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 motorists 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