Highway 21 in Kincardine area closed for first time this season

Almost a week after the Kincardine area was hit with heavy snowfall and high wind, Highway 21 was closed for the first time, due to blowing and drifting snow and poor-to-nil visibility.

At 9:45 a.m., Thursday, the South Bruce OPP reported that Highway 21 was closed, from Amberley to Tiverton. By the evening, it was closed from Amberley to Port Elgin.

For those who decide to travel during the snowy weather, the OPP reminds you to keep your headlights and tail lights on and clear of snow and do not drive on a closed road. Remember to keep your speed down; “if you see snow, go slow.”

For up-to-date road/weather information, visit: www.brucecounty.on.ca/road-conditions.php or call Bruce County Roads at 1-866-266-7569, option “2”. Ontario Highways – visit 511on.ca.”



Blowing and drifting snow along Highway 21, looking south from the Superheat FGH building in Kincardine, Thursday afternoon

For the third time this week, school buses were cancelled into Kincardine, Ripley and Lucknow, Thursday, due to the snowstorm, but schools remained open. The buses were also cancelled Monday and Wednesday. The affected schools included Elgin Market, Huron Heights, Kincardine Township-Tiverton, Kincardine District Senior, and St. Anthony’s, as well as Ripley-Huron Community, and Lucknow Central.

Thursday, the Municipality of Kincardine reported the following closures and programming cancellations:
 

• Tiverton Sports Centre closed
• The Davidson Centre pool closed at 5 p.m., with all pool programming cancelled for the remainder of the evening
• Municipal Administration Centre closed
• Evening registered programs at the Davidson Centre, including swimming lessons and archery, were cancelled; if you participate in an activity offered by a local sports organization, contact that group for updates
• Underwood Community Centre closed

The Davidson Centre remained open for drop-in activities, gymnasium, and ice rentals for those who could make it there safely. This included shuffleboard, cards, volleyball, walking track, health club, adult leisure swim, lane swimming, and aquafit.

For more information and links to weather resources, visit: www.kincardine.ca/weather.

The snowstorm is expected to continue into Friday, with the snow turning to rain on the weekend.



Highway 21, from Amberley to Port Elgin, is closed, Thursday afternoon



Blustery, winter weather along Highway 21, looking north of the Superheat FGH building in Kincardine, Thursday afternoon



High banks of snow beside the Superheat building on Highway 21



The road closed sign on Highway 21, beside Superheat FGH