Eco-friendly snow fences take root in Rouge National Urban Park
By David Yin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
York Region announced in October that it has planted a living snow fence in Rouge National Urban Park as an environmentally sustainable alternative to a traditional slatted fence.
Living snow fences — rows of trees and shrubs — can capture up to 12 times more snow than slatted fences, improving visibility and road safety.
As part of the pilot, York Region installed 640 metres of fencing in one of five designated fields along the York Durham Line. The site, located north of 14th Avenue, features native species including ninebark, red osier dogwood, white spruce, Norway spruce, and elderberry.
The five fields will span about 2,270 metres, extending from 14th Avenue to Elgin Mills Road South.
Murray Pattenden, York Region’s supervisor for southeast road operations, said the five fields were chosen based on their exposure to drifting snow and suitability for planting. He noted that the design requires robust site preparation, tree shelters, and watering the area for two years.
“Given Rouge Urban National Park is an environmentally focused initiative, engaging them as partners felt like a natural fit,” he said.
Living snow fences can remain effective for 40 to 50 years — significantly longer than the seven to 20-year lifespan of slatted fences. Therefore, they can reduce installation and maintenance costs by four to seven times over a 50-year period compared to slatted fences.
Over time, they can improve winter driving conditions through increased snow absorption. Long-term environmental benefits include providing wildlife habitat, attracting pollinators, and conserving energy use for nearby farms and buildings.
Pattenden expressed confidence in the pilot’s success.
“This sustainable approach can be expanded across York Region, delivering long-term economic, safety and ecological benefit,” he said.
For more information, visit www.york.ca/newsroom/news/york-region-and-parks-canada-launch-living-snow-fence-pilot.
Photo: York Region plans to install living snow fences in Rouge National Urban Park, which can help ensure road safety for drivers. (David Yin photo)