January 1, 2020
Continent-wide salt shortage expected
Salt shortages are expected across Canada and the United States throughout the 2018-19 winter, due in part to strikes at the Goderich, Ont.-based Compass Minerals facility. In addition to the labour disruption, the harsh 2017-18 winter, which included a major ice event in April, depleted salt reserve levels.
“Most provinces, states, regions and municipalities have ordered 10- to 20 per cent more salt, based on last year's experience,” according to the Landscape Ontario website. “Governments and those who maintain infrastructure (airports, roads etc.) are given first priority with supplies. This leaves small users, such as private contractors, out in the cold. Many have received limited or ‘no salt’ notices. Without an assured supply of salt, contractors are being forced to abandon contracts due to liability exposure.”