Current situation

Suppliers and industry professionals in Ontario are reporting significant road salt supply challenges. While salt is still available, the current shortage is being presented as a precautionary measure as mines prioritize supply to cities and municipalities for the winter of 2025 to ensure essential winter road maintenance can continue this season.

According to salt suppliers, the shortage is driven by:

• The high number of storms leading up to February 12.
• The forecasted storm activity over the next two weeks.
• The volume of salt required to manage current and upcoming conditions.
• Severe delays at supply points.
• Operational challenges at the mines, including equipment issues affecting the loading of trucks and vessels.

While it is currently described as a two-week pause, there is no definitive timeline on when supply levels will return to normal.

Impact on snow and ice removal contractors

As a result of the current situation, snow and ice management businesses have severely reduced access to bulk salt and face higher costs as suppliers look to out-of-market sources to supplement supply. Further complicating the situation are the contractual and liability challenges faced by snow and ice removal businesses — as maintaining safe winter conditions remains a priority, despite supply issues. In addition, customer expectations may not align with the reality of the current salt limitations.

Guidance for members

To navigate this shortage, Landscape Ontario encourages members to take the following strategic actions:

1. Conserve and optimize salt use where possible

• Prioritize plowing first before salting to reduce the required amount of de-icer.
• Adjust expectations — "black top" conditions may not be feasible at all times.
• Mix salt with sand or other traction-enhancing materials to extend supply.
• Explore alternative de-icing products, such as beet juice-based solutions or brine pre-treatment methods.

2. Communicate with clients and stakeholders

• Set clear expectations with property managers and customers regarding potential changes in service levels.
• Educate clients about the shortage and the need for responsible salt usage.
• Advise customers that due to supply limitations, there may be times when parking lots and walkways are not entirely free of snow and ice.

3. Protect yourself contractually

• Review contracts to ensure they reflect realistic service levels given supply constraints.
• Use standardized contracts — Landscape Ontario offers a Standard Snow & Ice Maintenance Contract to help members manage liability risks.

Landscape Ontario is aware that current liability laws place disproportionate risk on snow and ice contractors and compel the ample use of salt as a risk mitigation strategy. We are actively advocating for legislative changes that will create a more balanced liability framework between property owners and contractors.

Ongoing efforts and next steps

Landscape Ontario is actively engaging with media outlets to increase awareness of the salt shortage and build support and understanding for the challenges facing snow and ice removal professionals. See our press release.

We are committed to providing ongoing updates to help members navigate this challenge.

Let us know how else we can help.

Contact Joe Salemi, Landscape Ontario executive director at jsalemi@landscapeontario.com.

 

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