Winter maintenance service review outlines enhancements for future readiness
On June 29, 2026, City Council approved measures that will improve future winter maintenance and pothole response across Kitchener. Following an extensive review of the City's winter maintenance services during the 2025/2026 season, and as part of ongoing continuous improvement efforts, staff recommended key improvements to ensure service excellence in the face of record snowfalls.
Kitchener has experienced two consecutive winters marked by extreme conditions that significantly exceeded typical seasonal patterns and historical averages from the previous five winters. The 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 winters brought nearly twice the average snowfall – approximately 210 cm compared to the seasonal average of 121 cm – and more than double the number of snow events, with 10 events declared in the 2025/2026 winter season versus the five-year average of 4.6. These winters also saw colder temperatures, including 59 days with average temperatures below 0°C compared to 40 on average, along with more frequent freeze-thaw cycles. Together, these conditions were part of an environment that affected typical service outcomes for residents, created substantial challenges for crews and increased operational demands.
Throughout these challenging conditions, City staff adapted quickly while maintaining critical services and maintenance standards for residents. The review identified opportunities to further strengthen readiness for future winter seasons that allow staff to continue providing high levels of service even in extreme conditions. These recommendations fall within the City’s existing capital budget and will continue to be reviewed as part of operational budget discussions. This includes:
- Increasing surge capacity through expanded contractor support, staffing flexibility and scalable operations.
- Modernizing coordination with data, AI and integrated systems for real-time decision-making.
- Investing in a capital resurfacing program through the previously approved Building Faster Fund.
- Strengthening critical salt supply and resilience by increasing procurement quantities and exploring de-icing alternatives.
- Optimizing operations by refining priority routes and improving snow loading processes.
- Supporting workforce readiness with ongoing training and improved planning.
- Enhancing public communication with clearer expectations and ongoing service updates.
These actions will help inform future planning, budgeting, and operational decisions. By focusing on scalability, smarter technology use, and more resilient supply chains, the City will continue to strengthen its ability to deliver reliable, high-quality winter maintenance services, even during periods of extreme weather.
For more information on the winter maintenance review and approved recommendations, please see council meeting minutes.
Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.