The winter of 2025 is bringing more than just snow and ice—it’s also delivering a significant road salt shortage across Ontario. With increased demand and supply chain issues limiting availability, municipalities and contractors are scrambling for alternative de-icing solutions. The good news? There’s already a more efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly option: brine.
Understanding the Salt Shortage
While road salt is still available, supply constraints are making it harder to secure. A combination of increased winter storms, mining operation delays, and distribution bottlenecks has driven up costs and created uncertainty for winter maintenance professionals. This shortage makes it crucial to explore alternatives that ensure safety while optimizing resources.
Why Brine is the Superior Choice
Brine—a liquid mixture of water and salt—is an advanced de-icing solution that offers multiple benefits over traditional rock salt applications. Here’s why switching to brine can help you stay ahead of the game:
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More Effective Ice Prevention – Brine is applied before snowfall, preventing ice from bonding to surfaces. Unlike rock salt, which takes time to activate, brine gets to work immediately upon contact.
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Significant Salt Reduction – Brine uses up to 75% less salt compared to traditional spreading methods. This is crucial in a season where salt supply is unpredictable and costs are rising.
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Cost Savings – Because brine reduces overall salt consumption and requires fewer applications, it lowers material costs and labor expenses for contractors and municipalities.
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Improved Application Control – Liquid brine spreads evenly across surfaces, reducing waste and ensuring consistent coverage. Unlike rock salt, which can scatter or be displaced by wind and traffic, brine stays put and provides longer-lasting effectiveness.
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Environmentally Friendly – The excessive use of rock salt can harm vegetation, waterways, and infrastructure. Since brine requires less salt, it minimizes environmental damage while still keeping roads and walkways safe.
Future-Proof Your Operations
Getting started with brine now will not only help contractors navigate the current salt shortage but also ensure they stay ahead in future winter seasons. By incorporating brine into their de-icing strategies today, contractors can build a more resilient and cost-effective approach to snow and ice management. With unpredictable weather patterns and ongoing supply chain uncertainties, adopting brine early positions businesses for long-term success and operational stability.
Making the Switch to Brine with Storm Solutions Plus
Storm Solutions Plus is here to help contractors and municipalities make the transition to brine seamlessly. We offer high-quality brine production and application equipment designed to maximize efficiency and reduce dependence on traditional rock salt. With the right tools and techniques, you can maintain high safety standards while cutting costs and mitigating supply chain risks.
This winter, don’t let the salt shortage leave you scrambling. Get ahead of the curve with brine and ensure reliable snow and ice management throughout the season. Contact Storm Solutions Plus today to learn more about integrating brine into your operations!
