The Township of Augusta Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance of municipal roads and bridges throughout the Township. Our goal is to ensure safe, reliable, and well-maintained transportation routes for residents, businesses, and visitors year-round.
In addition to Township roads, several County roads within Augusta are maintained by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
Seasonal Road Maintenance (May to October)
The Township of Augusta is responsible for the ongoing maintenance and care of approximately 206 kilometres of roadway during the spring, summer, and fall seasons.
From May to October, Public Works staff carry out a range of seasonal maintenance activities to preserve road quality, improve safety, and extend the life of municipal infrastructure.
Typical operations during this period include:
Dust Control
Calcium chloride is applied to freshly unpaved roads and newly graded roads from May to July. This treatment helps reduce airborne dust and supports the road’s shape during the dry summer months.
Patching
Hot or cold mix asphalt is used to fill potholes, repair depressions, and restore road edges as needed throughout the season.
Roadside Mowing
Grass and vegetation are cut back from road shoulders during summer months to ensure safe sightlines.
Brushing & Ditching
Brushing and ditching are performed on specific road segments where overgrowth affects visibility or drainage is impeded. These activities help preserve road conditions and prevent erosion.
Sweeping
Hard-top roads and streets are swept during April and May, typically when road surfaces are damp to reduce airborne dust.
Culvert Maintenance
The Township is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of road and entrance culverts that have corroded or are no longer functioning properly.
For more information on road maintenance activities and scheduling, please contact the Public Works Department.
Winter Road Maintenance
The Township of Augusta is responsible for the safe and effective maintenance of approximately 206 kilometres of roadway during the winter season. Public Works staff monitor weather conditions through road patrols and local forecasts to strategically dispatch crews for snow clearing and to ensure safe road conditions for our community.
Winter control operations — including plowing, salting, and sanding — are carried out by trained Public Works staff as needed. Our goal is to maintain safe driving conditions and ensure public safety across all Township-maintained roads.
All operations are conducted in accordance with Ontario Regulation 239/02 (Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways) and the Township’s Winter Maintenance Policy (By-Law 3678-2024).
For more information on specific winter maintenance practices, please explore the sections below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is my sod damaged after plowing?
Sod damage may occur when:
- Snow covers the edge of the road, making it difficult for the operator to see boundaries.
- The ground is not yet frozen during early-season plowing.
If you discover sod damage in the spring, you may repair it yourself or contact the Township at 613-925-4231 ext. 301. Repairs will be completed by staff after the winter season.
I live on a corner lot. Why is there more snow in my driveway?
Corner lots or homes near intersections often receive more snow due to how plows turn. During right turns, the plow pushes snow ahead rather than to the side, depositing more at the first driveway it encounters after turning.
Who clears snow around Canada Post community mailboxes?
Canada Post is responsible. To report issues, contact 1-800-267-1177.
What if a snowplow hits my mailbox?
Report mailbox damage to 613-925-4231 ext. 301. Public Works will inspect and determine whether the Township is responsible. The Township does not replace mailboxes knocked down by snow coming off the plow blade.
Minimum Maintenance Standards: Snow and Ice Response
Snow Accumulation
Township crews deploy once snow accumulation exceeds 8 cm and aim to reduce snow to below this depth within 12 to 16 hours, as per provincial standards.
Icy Roads
When icy conditions are observed or expected, crews are deployed as soon as practical to treat affected roadways.
Drivers are reminded to adjust speed and drive according to road and weather conditions.
Overnight Parking Restrictions
In accordance with By-Law 3679-2024, parking is not permitted on any Township Road or boulevard from November 15 to March 31, between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Vehicles parked during these hours may obstruct snow removal operations and may be ticketed or towed at the owner’s expense.
Plowing and Road Priorities
The Township operates a fully equipped fleet, including:
- 5 tandem-axle combination plow/sander trucks
- 1 three-quarter-ton truck with plow/sander unit
- 1 half-ton truck with plow
- 2 road graders with carbide ice blades
- 1 rubber-tired backhoe
- 3 patrol trucks with road temperature sensors
Crews monitor conditions and respond proactively to snow and ice through patrols and weather tracking tools. Roads are plowed according to priority:
Priority Roads (Class 1–3): Arterial and major collector roads, including school routes and emergency access roads.
Local Roads (Class 4–6): Residential streets, rural side roads, and cul-de-sacs, cleared after priority routes are completed.
During a typical snowfall, it takes approximately 5–6 hours to clear all Township roads once the snow has stopped. Heavier or prolonged storms may extend this time.
Salt Management Plan
The Township adheres to a Salt Management Plan to reduce the environmental impact of road salt while still maintaining safe driving conditions. Please visit our Salt Management Plan Policy for more information.
Snow Placement and By-Law 3678-2024
It is illegal to deposit snow or ice onto any road or bridge within the Township.
By-Law 3678-2024 states:
“No person shall deposit or cause to be deposited any snow or ice upon or across any portion of any highway or bridge located within the territorial limits of the Township.”
Please ensure that snow from your driveway or mailbox area is not pushed onto the road, as it creates a hazard and violates both Township by-law and the Highway Traffic Act.
Snow Removal Regulations
Residents should be aware that By-Law 3678-2024 and the Highway Traffic Act prohibit depositing snow onto roadways, as it creates hazards for both drivers and pedestrians. The By-Law states:
"No person shall deposit or cause to be deposited any snow or ice upon or across any portion of any highway or bridge within the Township."
Please keep this in mind when clearing driveways or mailbox areas.
If you have questions regarding Road Maintenance, please contact the Public Works Department at 613-925-4231 ext. 301.