Goderich salt not for Hamilton

Hamilton gets its ice salt from an American supplier in Cleveland, Ohio. The city has experienced a shortage this winter. But interestingly enough, the largest salt mine in the world is located just over two hours away in Goderich.

So, why is our city is going across the border when it seems salt is available in great abundance in our own backyard?

A report came out Thursday that 50-thousand tons of salt was delivered to Milwaukee the day before; and that salt was mined in Ontario. Two ships delivered the precious cargo to the Port of Milwaukee this week. Like Ontario, Wisconsin is experiencing a tough winter, and salt is in short supply.

We know Hamilton has had to ration it’s salt this winter. The Great Lakes have frozen over which means its supplier in Cleveland cant ship until the ice sheet melts.

Now, if you’ve been on the city sidewalks and roadways lately, you know we’re in great need of salt.

Why doesn’t Hamilton get its salt from Goderich for de-icing. The Public Works Department said: “The ice salt contractor in Cleveland was the lowest bidder in the City’s Purchasing process. It was an open tender and they were awarded the contract as the lowest bidder. The City has never experienced any problems or challenges with this contractor until now and it is due to the extreme conditions this winter. The contract with this supplier ends this year and City staff may be looking at other options at that time.

The de-icing industry in North America is exteremly competive. The salt mine in Goderich they said they are operating at maximum capacity and it would be difficult to service a city they don’t have a contract with right now. But in a perfect world, they would try to help if asked.