When construction can start
Wrenford's weather means road and utility work must follow a strict seasonal calendar. Starting work too early in spring or too late in fall can damage our roads and underground pipes. The City uses seasonal windows to keep our infrastructure safe and to keep you moving.
Active construction season
Most street and utility work runs from May 1 to November 14. During these months, contractors can schedule full road closures, heavy truck access, and night work. You can book inspections and apply for permits year-round, but staff will only approve start dates within this window unless special conditions apply.
Spring thaw restrictions
When snow melts and the ground softens, heavy trucks can tear up local streets. The City places spring thaw restrictions on all local roads from March 15 to April 30. During this period:
- Heavy trucks and construction vehicles are not allowed on residential streets.
- Utility work on local roads is paused or limited to emergency repairs.
- Driveway and access permits are processed, but site work cannot begin until restrictions lift.
The exact start and end dates depend on ground conditions. Check the Service Alerts page for the current thaw status.
Winter construction ban
Asphalt and concrete do not cure properly in freezing temperatures. To protect your investment and our road network, the City enforces a winter construction ban from November 15 to March 14. During this time:
- No new paving, grading, or trenching work is allowed on public roads.
- Existing projects must be backfilled and compacted before the ban starts.
- Indoor work and site preparation on private property are still permitted.
Permits and rules that apply year-round
Even when the seasons change, certain rules stay in place. Before any ground is broken, you must have the right approvals.
- Street use permits: Required for any work that crosses, cuts into, or parks equipment on the road right-of-way. The application fee is $850.00.
- Construction noise permits: Work outside standard hours (Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) needs a permit. Sunday and statutory holiday work is generally prohibited.
- Construction traffic management plans: Any project that blocks a lane, sidewalk, or parking space must submit a plan reviewed by Roads & Winter Maintenance.
How to apply and get help
You can submit all construction-related permit applications through the City's online portal. Staff review applications in the order they are received. If you need help figuring out which permits your project requires, contact the Roads & Winter Maintenance team directly at 519-555-0140 or email [email protected].
For questions about how seasonal rules affect a specific site, visit the Engineering Standards page or book a Pre-development consultation.