Minimizing Salt Pollution that Poison Rivers and Streams

Much of the excess salt comes from heavy use by private contractors which the provincial government has refused to regulate. Private owners and contractors frequently use grossly excessive amounts of salt in the hope of protecting themselves from occupier liability slip and fall lawsuits. Toronto is doing the best we can to minimize over salting and salt pollution in our city, but we lack the policy and regulatory tools to reduce excess salt used by private contractors. The provincial government should adopt a single set of provincially endorsed best management practices, require salt-smart training of private contractors who applies salt as part of their business, and legislation that limits the liability of those who adhere to the provincially endorsed standards. The Ontario Salt Pollution Coalition has therefore requested a resolution from our City calling for provincial action on salt pollution. So far, such resolutions have been passed by Muskoka, Georgina, Waterloo, Malahide, Sudbury, North Perth, and Whitchurch-Stouffville.

3. City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure Services to continue to minimize the use of road salt as much as possible while maintaining safety on roads, parking lots and sidewalks.