Ontario Salt Supply Shortages This Winter and What It Means for Next Season

There were several factors at play this season:

• Increased Early Demand: With snow falling earlier and more frequently than expected, many people stocked up on ice melt right away. That moved a lot of product off store shelves and into yards across the region.

• Distribution Delays: Transportation and supply chain challenges meant deliveries to retail stores were slower than usual. Some suppliers had batches held up in transit or reduced allocation because of weather and logistical constraints.

• Municipal and Commercial Priority: Cities and large property managers often purchase salt in huge quantities for roads, lots, and public spaces. This seasonal priority can leave less stock for retail outlets earlier in the season.

Together, these factors made it harder for everyday homeowners to find salt on short notice when they needed it most.

Many homeowners reported:

• Finding empty shelves at big box stores

• Bags of salt that had clumped or been sitting unsold for long periods

• Difficulty sourcing pet‑friendly or treated salt options

• Needing to wait for delayed deliveries

Business owners managing rental properties, walk‑in offices, or senior housing were hit especially hard because of the higher foot traffic and greater liability concerns when sidewalks got icy.

At T.A.P. Landscaping, we heard from customers who said they had to scramble for solutions or ration what they had because they could not find reliable product locally.

Now that you’ve lived through a tighter-than-usual salt season, there are smart ways to prepare so you are ready when snow hits:

1. Stock Early, Stock Wisely: Rather than waiting until late fall to buy salt, consider pre‑ordering in early autumn. It gives you access to better product selection and avoids the rush once the first system hits.

2. Consider Treated Salt Options: Products like magnesium chloride‑treated salt tend to activate faster and stick to surfaces better. That means less quantity is needed to get the job done effectively.

3. Use Stackable, Resealable Buckets: Buckets that keep moisture out and remain scoopable over the entire season reduce waste and frustration. T.A.P’s sealed buckets are designed for this very purpose.

4. Plan with a Contractor Ahead of Time: We recommend homeowners arrange salt deliveries well before snowfall begins. Calling or requesting an order early means you won’t be at the back of the line when supply is limited.

This season, T.A.P. Landscaping help customers by:

• Communicating logistics early and clearly

• Delivering sealed buckets of treated salt across Durham Region

• Planning drop‑off locations so homeowners didn’t have to chase supply

• Refilling buckets upon request throughout the season

Because we track stock and forecast storms, we can approach salt delivery strategically rather than reactively. This keeps our customers stocked and satisfied even in a challenging supply year.