Waterloo Urges Province to Address Salt Pollution with Liability Reform

The City of Waterloo is calling on the Ontario government to introduce limited liability legislation aimed at reducing the excessive use of road salt during winter months.

The motion, passed during the latest council meeting, urges the province to take steps to protect local waterways from increasing salt contamination. Councillors say liability concerns are causing contractors to over-salt roads and sidewalks to avoid responsibility in the event of accidents.

“Salt pollution is a huge problem for Ontario’s lakes, rivers and streams,” said Coun. Julie Wright. “We use a lot of salt to keep people moving, but it’s becoming excessive.”

In Waterloo, a private contractor handles snow and ice removal for municipal roads and sidewalks. However, in the event of an incident caused by freezing, the contractor bears full liability. City staff and councillors argue that this legal pressure encourages overuse, leading to long-term environmental damage.

Local residents also expressed concern. “The roads were manageable, but the sidewalks were icy—we couldn’t walk,” said one Waterloo resident.

Coun. Wright added that new legislation could help shift that pressure and allow for more balanced winter maintenance. “One more step we can do is to bring that concern to the provincial government,” she said. “They need to find a balance—like slowly reducing the salt.”

According to the city, the impact of excessive salting is being felt in nearby lakes and rivers, threatening aquatic ecosystems and drinking water sources.

As Waterloo waits for provincial action, residents may be asked to tread more carefully—literally—through future winters.