The RM of Dufferin held a Public Engagement meeting on the V-Plowing Policy on Feb. 7 at the Carman Community Hall.
V-plowing is used to remove accumulated snow from roads and surfaces efficiently. Effective snow removal is essential for managing spring runoff. If snow is left uncleared, it can melt and contribute to increased runoff, potentially leading to flooding and water management challenges.
The V shape of the plow can influence how melted snow is channelled to the sides of the cleared path. Proper channelling of runoff is crucial for directing water away from vulnerable areas, such as low-lying regions or areas prone to flooding.
V-plowing can also help prevent the formation of ice patches by removing snow from road surfaces. Ice accumulation can impede water flow and lead to localized flooding when the snow melts.
Clearing roads and infrastructure using V-plowing aids in preventing damage caused by water-related issues, such as erosion and deterioration. Well-maintained infrastructure contributes to responsible water management by minimizing the risk of water-induced damage.
The purposeful use of V-plowing in snow removal during spring runoff can contribute to responsible water management by effectively controlling runoff, preventing flooding, and protecting infrastructure.
RM of Dufferin Council reviews and approves the v-plowing initiative annually, anticipating the specific needs associated with early spring runoff. This proactive approach ensures the community is well-prepared to mitigate risks and protect valuable yard sites.
The RM of Dufferin held the meeting on Feb. 7 to gain residents deeper insights into the v-plowing process and for people to share their experiences and provide valuable feedback.
“We decided to hold a ‘Community Engagement – for V-Plowing’ as a result of some contentious issues this past spring,” said RM of Dufferin reeve Cor Lodder. “Some larger farmers own their own excavators and like to open their own ditches at a time that they deem to be best for draining their own fields. However, water runs downhill, and the neighbours downstream need to manage and deal with that flow. So we decided that it was in the best interest of good community communication and consideration that we hold a community engagement evening to share thoughts and encourage a positive move forward. Being an optimist and through many years of business leadership, I was confident that this would have a positive outcome. It went well, and for that, we are very thankful.”
RM of Dufferin’s Municipal Foreman Rodney Last had some comments on the History of V-plowing in the RM of Dufferin, noting that, historically, it starts sometime in March and takes around two weeks to complete. They start in the east and work west.
“Timing is critical,” said Rodney Last. “If we start too early, the snow is either too hard and breaks things or too sugary that it will not leave an open path. If we start too late, water starts running underneath and only option is to side dig with excavator.”
One of the primary benefits of clearing snow from ditches is flooding prevention. By allowing water to flow freely, we can protect communities and yard sites from the devastating effects of excess water.
Proper drainage also helps safeguard infrastructure such as roads, bridges and real property. When water is efficiently channelled away, it minimizes erosion risk and damage to these critical components of our transportation system and assets.
Some of the questions and answers from the meeting were as follows:
Question – What can we do to hold back and retain the water for future use in spring instead of allowing it to leave the RM?
Answer – Water Management, Boyne Valley Water Initiative, future industry we are trying to attract, filling irrigation ponds, having more irrigation ponds to full, the RM of Dufferin’s Wetlands tax credit program and watershed funding of the program 1/3 we all discussed.
Question – Have situations occurred in the past that caused issues downstream that created heat for the RM with neighbouring municipalities?
Answer – The RM of Morris filed with the Municipal Board a complaint, and the Municipal Board passed an order that required the RM of Dufferin to pay for 50% of the cost of repairs on three drains that extend into the RM of Morris for numerous miles. To date, the RM has not had to pay anything in the past 15-plus years. We have met with them, and they have not invoiced us. We need to be careful as we have had problems downstream and need to avoid this in the future.
In the weeks after the meeting, the RM of Dufferin Council reviewed the discussion points and survey results. However, Lodder noted that there will be no changes to the v-plowing policy. The policy set ten years ago will remain the same in the future.
“The meeting went very well and was appreciated by those in attendance,” said Lodder. “The openness and the opportunity to share ideas and listen to others helps build stronger and more progressive communities. One of my areas of interest in getting engaged in Municipal Leadership was Water Management, so this was dear to my heart.”
