Road and Sidewalk Maintenance

Shoulder grading involves building up gravel shoulders with new materials so they meet the slope of the asphalt. It is also used to remove potholes or rutting that may occur from time to time.

• Grading gravel roads is required to establish and maintain proper crown and aid in roadway drainage.
• Grading is used to prevent and repair washouts, potholes and washboards that may form.
• Grading typically occurs in the spring and fall (when there is moisture present) to aid in dust control and compaction of the material for a smoother traveling surface.

Gravel roads within the municipality typically receive maintenance gravel every other year as required.

The application of maintenance gravel ensures a consistent travelling surface and that a proper road structure is in place to support vehicles.

Dust control is applied in the spring after the roads have been graded and proper crown and drainage has been achieved.

Typically the dust suppressant applied is calcium chloride, which binds the dust to the gravel providing longer lasting dust control.

Washout and base repairs occur to roads that have been damaged due to heavy rains or flooding.

Mowing to improve roadside visibility and control weeds and tree growth.

Notice: Roadside grass and tree cutting (June 2, 2025) 

Roadside grass cutting and tree trimming will be taking place along municipal roads over the coming weeks. This work is part of routine seasonal maintenance to support road safety, infrastructure protection and environmental health. The maintenance aims to:

Maintain clear sightlines for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians

• Prevent damage to road infrastructure and reduce the risk of collisions
• Support healthy growth by managing overgrown vegetation
• Improve drainage and reduce the risk of localized flooding

Residents are asked to use caution near work areas and allow crews the space needed to complete their work safely. Tay Township thanks all residents for their understanding and cooperation.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Operational Services Team at 705-534-7248 x230.

Roadside spraying is used on the trail and at guardrails for Hog Weed. Please note: The township does not spray for poison ivy. 

 Brush removal results in better visibility and roadside operations. This involved removing and maintaining the right of way; this may include brush trimming and removal, either through the use of a brush head or boom mowers, or selective maintenance using chainsaws.

Removing trees and tree limbs that pose hazard to the public or obstruct visibility.

Picking up illegally dumped garbage including litter tossed from vehicles.

The municipality has a program in place to refresh and maintain pavement markings. Line Painting typically occurs in the spring after street sweeping activities have been completed and the temperature and weather are consistently above 10 degrees Celsius.

If your vehicle inadvertently drives over the fresh undried paint, paint may end up on the vehicle. In the unfortunate event this occurs, please be advised due to insurance laws, Tay Township does not directly pay any claims related to vehicle damage. It is recommended that you submit a claim through your insurance and they will review and assign fault as appropriate.

Starting in the spring and running to the fall the municipality undertakes a traffic counting program. This program provides valuable information to staff regarding changes to vehicle volumes and is used to review roadway classifications as it pertains to the minimum maintenance standards.

Digging and maintaining roadside ditches prevent flooding and erosion. This maximizes drainage while maintaining erosion control.

In accordance with the Ontario Standards for bridges, all structures are inspected bi-annually for safety and in accordance with the Ontario Structure Inspection Manual.

This work involves repairing and installing culverts that carry water under roadways.

Driveway culverts are the responsibility of the homeowner to repair and replace if damaged. However, the township will flush and clear culverts if there is a blockage. 

In accordance with the Ontario Minimum Maintenance Standards, all roads within the municipality are patrolled based on the road classification which determines the frequency based on speed and volume. During road patrol, numerous roadway characteristics are monitored to ensure a safe and efficient transportation system.

Sidewalks are inspected each summer for hazards and damage; replacement of damaged sidewalk panels typically takes place in the fall.

Street lighting improves visibility and helps make roads safer at night. If a street light is not working, the Township will arrange for repairs through its contractor. Repair timelines can vary depending on the issue:

• Simple repairs (i.e. bulb replacements) are usually completed within 1 to 4 weeks
• More complex issues (i.e. underground wiring problems) may take longer

Delays can sometimes occur due to weather, utility locates, or contractor scheduling.

Streetlight functions are reviewed yearly to ensure all streetlights are functioning properly. Streetlights that are not functioning can be reported to the municipality by calling 705-534-7248 x230.

Traffic signs aide in keeping traffic moving safely.

The Township is responsible for repairing and replacing signs. Response times vary based on issue.

• Urgent issues (i.e. missing stop sign) are addressed as quickly as possible, often within 24 hours
• Less urgent repairs are typically completed within a few days to a couple of weeks

Any issues with traffic signs can be reported to the municipality by calling 705-534-7248 x230.

Traffic signals and pedestrian crossings are maintained by the Township.

Any signal outage, malfunction, or damage is treated as a high priority and addressed as quickly as possible.

Traffic Signals are maintained in accordance with Provincial Minimum Maintenance Standards, which set out how often inspections must occur and how quickly repairs need to be made.

Removing dead animals found on municipal roadways.

Inspecting, cleaning, and repairing of catch basins and maintenance holes that carry roadway drainage.