Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a Yellow Level Snow Squall Warning on Jan. 1, 2025, at 9:42 p.m. for the Barrie–Collingwood–Hillsdale region, predicting 15 to 30 centimetres of snow by Friday night along with sudden whiteout conditions and blowing snow.
Heavy, narrow bands of lake-effect snow over Georgian Bay have already cut visibility on Highway 26 and Highway 11. The Ontario Provincial Police Central Region advised motorists to avoid non-essential travel, warning that driving conditions are “treacherous” between Meaford and Stayner. Drivers can check current road conditions on 511 Ontario.
The Town of Collingwood Public Works department is operating its priority clearing system, which focuses first on arterial streets such as First Street and High Street. Residents are subject to the Town’s Winter Parking By-law (1:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.), in effect until March 31, and must move vehicles off streets when the ban applies. Colltrans buses on Routes 1 and 2 are reporting delays of 20 to 25 minutes.
Drivers should slow down, increase following distance and ensure their vehicles are winter-ready. Anyone planning travel through the snowbelt area should monitor updates on 511 Ontario and the Town’s winter maintenance page for the latest advisories.
