Landscape Ontario Warns of Serious Salt Shortages This Winter

Landscape Ontario has advised landscaping contractors that salt for winter de-icing is expected to be in very short supply this winter and through 2019. A summer strike, mine closures due to water leaks and strong domestic and international demand are part of the cause.

Condominium corporations should to stock up on additional bagged salt and non-salt de-icers as soon as possible.

Staff should be prepared to de-ice, between the initial accumulation of snow and ice and the arrival of the landscaping crew, to avoid potential slips and falls. 

Purchasing an additional skid of bagged salt and a skid of bagged de-icer (quantity depends on the size of the site) should be considered to ensure that enough de-icer is available to address early de-icing action and reduce the threats to resident and visitor safety.

Depending on the terms of your landscaping contract, corporations should also be prepared for the budget impact. Surcharges of $30/ton are anticipated from landscapers.  As sites can use as much as 10 tons a month, the incremental costs could mount.