Farmers and ranchers wanting to bale hay near provincial highways need to be aware of some important deadlines before salvaging the material.
A landowner, lessee or their designate has first option to cut and bale the hay or grass in highway ditches and medians (which are also known as the provincial highway right-of-way) until July 8. After July 8, anyone may salvage this material without contacting or getting the permission of the landowner, providing the landowner hasn’t started to harvest.
Non-adjacent landowners or lessees who want to harvest roadside hay prior to July 8 are encouraged to contact the landowner or lessee and make arrangements to become their designate.
The hay must be cut at a uniform height leaving a neat appearance. Bales of hay must be at least eight metres from the edge of the shoulder of the highway. All bales must be removed from the highway right-of-way by Aug. 8.
To minimize hazards to the travelling public, bales that are not removed by Aug. 8 or are too close to the shoulder may be removed by the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure.
Mowing may take place in certain areas prior to July 8, as required for control of noxious weeds, safety and aesthetics.
Regular ditch mowing will be carried out by ministry contractors along all four-lane highways between July 15 and the fall. A four-metre-wide strip will be mowed adjacent to the other highways with additional mowing as required to ensure visibility and weed control. The progress of contracted mowers in hay operations will be dependent on the weather and ditch conditions.
KEY DATES
June 7 to July 15: Mowing includes a four-metre shoulder cut adjacent to the road on all highways within the Gateway Corridor Network; the National Highway System is included in this category. Some highway intersections may receive a full ditch cut to ensure good sightlines.
July 8: Prior to this date, a landowner or lessee nearest to a highway ditch has the first option to cut or bale hay. After this date, anyone may cut and bale hay or grass in a highway ditch without getting the permission of the adjacent landowner, provided salvage operations haven’t begun.
July 15 to October 15th: Ministry contractors will begin mowing the entire width of ditches along all four-lane highways, while all other highways will get a four-metre cut adjacent to the highway shoulder. Some additional mowing may occur.
For more information, contact your nearest Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure office: