Growing up in Canada, I have cherished winters - the crisp air, the falling snow, and the iconic Rideau Canal Skateway. But, in recent years, I've noticed a sad change; the canal isn't freezing as it used to. Upon digging deeper, I discovered a significant contributing factor: road salt. Excessive use of road salt not only affects our chances of enjoying skating on the canal, but it also pollutes our waterways, harms local wildlife, and contributes to the wear and tear of our roads and vehicles.

Did you know that traditional road salt is causing the temperature of the water to rise, preventing the canal from freezing adequately? Ottawa's current method of de-icing is compromising our environment, and it's time we did something about it.

A viable and eco-friendly alternative is beet juice, commonly known as beet brine. This organic solution has been successfully adopted in various cities around the world, reducing pollution and minimizing corrosive damage. It’s effective at lower temperatures than salt and is a sustainable solution that aligns perfectly with our need to protect the environment and infrastructure.

By using beet brine, Ottawa can significantly cut down on the detrimental effects of road salting, safeguard our environment, and preserve our winter traditions for future generations to enjoy.

Join me in urging the City of Ottawa to switch to or include beet brine in our winter maintenance plans. By signing this petition, you are helping protect our environment, save wildlife, and preserve the infrastructure and cleanliness of our beautiful city. Let's champion a more sustainable and responsible approach to keep our roads safe.

Add your voice and sign the petition today to make a positive change in Ottawa’s winter road maintenance.

Relevant links:

Why Cities Turn To Beet Juice To Help Keep Winter Roads Clear

https://weather.com/science/environment/news/2023-12-15-beet-juice-road-deicer-salt-brine

Beet Juice vs Road Salt

https://canadasalt.ca/beet-juice-vs-road-salt/

Success in road salts management: case studies

https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/pollutants/road-salts/success-management-case-studies.html

Ottawa's road salt use is the highest in Canada. Here's what you need to know

https://smartaboutsalt.wildapricot.org/news/13457364#:~:text=Toronto%2C%20Halifax%20and%20Laval%20are%20among%20the%20Canadian,environment%20and%20can%20melt%20ice%20at%20lower%20temperatures

Cities Are Cutting the Salt from their Winter Road Diets

https://nextcity.org/features/cities-are-cutting-the-salt-from-their-winter-road-diets

Beet juice and cheese brine: what cities are spreading on streets to replace corrosive road salt

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-january-26-2018-1.4504277/beet-juice-and-cheese-brine-what-cities-are-spreading-on-streets-to-replace-corrosive-road-salt-1.4504293

"BEET" the Icy Roads: How Cities from Winnipeg to Chicago are Using Beet Juice

https://www.justbeetit.com/beet-blog-index/beet-juice-used-for-icy-roads-canada

This petition will form part of the public record and information contained in it may be subject to the scrutiny of the City of Ottawa and the general public.