Barrie Uses Landfill Property for Snow Storage After Record Snowfall

The City of Barrie, Ontario has begun using land at the Sandy Hollow landfill property to store excess snow this winter after snow removal crews ran out of space at the city’s regular operations centre, officials said. City officials noted that Barrie has experienced a record amount of snowfall — more than 300 cm (9.5 ft) since Nov. 1, 2025 — and that the ongoing “Significant Weather Event” has made snow storage a logistical challenge.

With snow pile-ups reaching capacity, the city announced that snow from snow lift operations will be hauled to a vacant portion of the landfill site on Ferndale Drive North for the foreseeable future. While the move repurposes landfill land already owned by the city, officials said there is no set end date for the storage and it will depend on additional accumulations and operational needs.

Residents living near the landfill may notice increased overnight activity as trucks deliver snow, and city staff have constructed a berm and implemented other measures to help reduce noise and light impacts during nighttime operations. Officials clarified that the snow is not being mixed with household waste but is temporarily placed on unused space.

City operations director Dave Friary called this winter’s cleanup “the largest volume of snow we have had to remove,” noting that previous significant weather events were shorter and less intense. The prolonged event has required increased coordination, manpower and funding, driving up costs and resources compared with typical snow seasons.

The city’s “Significant Weather Event” designation remains in effect as crews continue clearing narrowed roads, cycling lanes and other key infrastructure. Officials said they will provide updates as conditions change and continue to manage snow storage and removal until Barrie’s streets and neighbourhoods are fully restored.