The City of Barrie has had to turn to a landfill property as a temporary snow storage solution after weeks of record-breaking snowfall.
City officials informed that the choice to utilize its Ferndale Drive North property was essential as snow removal continues during what is now the longest ongoing “Significant Weather Event declaration” in Barrie’s history.
This decision came after they ran out of space at their operations center, with reports indicating that the city has received around 300 centimeters, or over 9.5 feet of snow, since November 1.
Officials mentioned that this temporary site will be used for the foreseeable future, although no end date has been established yet.
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“It is dependent on additional snow accumulations and our requirements to do snow lifts to remove excess snow from areas throughout the city,” said Dave Friary, the city’s director of operations.
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Friary clarified that the snow isn’t being mixed with household waste. Instead, it’s being placed on an unused section of land at the landfill property, which the city says has been a common practice in previous years.
Residents living nearby might notice increased activity overnight as snow hauling operations continue.
Friary noted that mitigation measures are in place, including building a berm to lessen noise and light impacts during nighttime work.
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Barrie has been under a Significant Weather Event since December 28, 2025, a status that remains active as crews work to clear narrowed roads and large snowbanks.
The city added that this year’s winter cleanup effort has far surpassed previous events regarding both scale and cost.
“This winter’s snow removal effort represents the largest volume of snow we have had to remove,” Friary said. “Previous Significant Weather Events typically lasted one to three days, causing only short delays and little to no additional cost.”
“In contrast, the unprecedented snowfall over a compressed time period and the extended duration of this event resulted in significantly higher costs and increased coordination and oversight.”
The city states that weather alerts will remain until roads, cycling lanes, and other affected areas are fully restored. Updates will be shared as conditions evolve.
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