Here is how you can contribute to the health of Queens Quay, Lake Ontario, and our trees with sustainable de-icing practices.
It's essential to avoid using rock salt when clearing snow and ice from your sidewalks and use environmentally friendly products like CMA-based ice remover or sand instead.
The Waterfront BIA and Waterfront Toronto put together this guide to support Toronto’s newly revitalized destination waterfront street, Queens Quay.
Keep Toronto's Waterfront Streets, Lake and Trees Healthy in the Winter
If you have to clear snow and ice from your sidewalk or driveway:
Shovel – Always shovel or plow first. Clear away the snow as soon as you can so it doesn’t become ice. Try to remove ice patches with an ice chopper.
CMA – Use Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) when possible. CMA is an environmentally friendly alternative to rock salt. Use 1-3 tablespoons of CMA per one metre square area. CMA works best between 0°c and -7°c.
Use Less Salt – Salt only works between 0°c and -10°c. ONE tablespoon of salt per one metre square area is all you need. Small grain salt works better.
Sand – use sand, grit, or non-clumping kitty litter to reduce the risk of slipping and when it’s too cold for salt to work.
What You Should Know
As a chemical de-icer, rock salt is the most commonly used de-icing material. It is also one of the most corrosive and toxic de-icing materials.
Using rock salt to de-ice sidewalks and driveways negatively affects our lake and drinking water, and damages streetscapes and trees.
There are environmentally friendly de-icing alternatives to rock salt that are equally as effective.
Using less rock salt will not only create safe walkways for pedestrians – it will also save you money and prevent excess salts from entering the environment.