Mississauga residents should brace for a milder but more erratic winter, as a strong El Niño pattern could delay outdoor rink openings, knock down tree branches and carve potholes into city roads, according to a City of Mississauga news release.
El Niño is a natural weather pattern driven by warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures, and it can shape conditions around the world. Forecasters have suggested Canada could see a strong El Niño this year, and the City notes that climate change — which is warming ocean waters — can intensify its effects.
For Mississauga, that could translate into a slower start to winter and more days when temperatures swing above and below freezing. The City warns some services may be delayed or look different than usual as a result.
Outdoor rinks may open late
The City operates four artificial outdoor rinks: Mississauga Celebration Square, Woodhurst Heights ice rink, the Port Credit Memorial Park skating trail and Ternopil Park ice rink.
Milder temperatures make it harder to build and maintain ice, because warm weather melts the ice base. Depending on conditions, the City may delay or pause outdoor rink openings over safety concerns. Residents can call 905-615-3200 ext. RINK to check whether rinks are open.
Natural ice rinks run by volunteers in neighbourhood parks will be marked with signage indicating whether they are safe to use.
Trees, potholes and sod
Repeated freezing and thawing can weaken trees and cause branches to fall. Residents who spot a fallen tree or a hazardous limb on City property are asked to call 311 with a detailed description; reports are triaged based on the type and location of the damage. The City also accepts online requests for tree debris cleanup on City property.
The same temperature swings can damage roads and create potholes. Potholes and road damage can be reported by calling 311 or through an online service request, and City staff will inspect the damage within three business days and make the area safe.
Sod on City property can be damaged by snowplows, utility and road work, weather or collisions. The City repairs dead or damaged sod between May and June and September and October, but it does not replace sod turned brown by road salt used in winter maintenance.
Even a mild winter still calls for plowing and salting, the City said. Under its Low Road Salt Strategy, Mississauga is using less salt while keeping roads and sidewalks safe — applying more anti-icing brine, timing plows carefully and testing new methods to limit the environmental impact of winter maintenance.
The City is also urging residents to use the fall season to create or refresh an emergency plan and kit, noting that extreme weather can strike at any time, even in a milder season. Residents can sign up for City email updates to stay informed as conditions change.
Details on skating programs are available at mississauga.ca/skating.
