Every year, we see the same pattern:
December arrives. Winter roads open. Communities suddenly realize they need equipment—a water truck, a grader, a bus.
They start making calls. But by then, inventory is limited, delivery timelines are tight, and funding applications that should have been submitted months ago are now urgent.
Planning early isn't just good practice. It's often the difference between getting what your community needs and waiting another year.
Why Early Planning Matters
1. Equipment availability isn't guaranteed.
The economy is still recovering from COVID-related supply chain disruptions. Manufacturers are behind. Inventory is limited. And during winter road season, many communities are trying to buy at the same time.
If you wait until December to start looking, the equipment you need might not be available—or might not arrive before roads close.
2. Funding has timelines too.
Most federal and provincial funding programs have application deadlines and processing times. If you need funding to purchase equipment, that application should be submitted well before you need the equipment delivered.
3. Budget cycles matter.
April 1 is the fiscal year reset for most First Nations. If your current year's budget is tight, you may need to plan purchases around the new fiscal year—or explore bridge financing to secure equipment now and align payment with your new allocation.
What Questions Should You Be Asking?
Start by asking your leadership and operations teams:
1. What are our priorities for this season?
You can't solve every problem in one year. What are the key things that will benefit your community most? Focus there first.
2. What are the biggest challenges we're facing?
If you're not sure what the priorities are, start with the challenges. What's causing the most pain? What's creating the most risk? The solutions to those challenges often become the priorities.
3. What equipment do we have, and what condition is it in?
Assess your current fleet. What's reliable? What's aging? What's been sitting unused because something's wrong with it?
4. Do we have the operators and capacity to use new equipment?
Equipment without trained operators doesn't help anyone. Make sure you have the people to run what you're planning to buy.
5. What's our budget situation?
Are funds available now, or will they be available in the new fiscal year? Do we need to explore financing or bridge options?
A Planning Timeline for Winter Road Communities
The earlier you start, the more options you have. Waiting until roads are open means you're reacting instead of planning.
Common Planning Mistakes
Mistake 1: Assuming equipment will be available
Popular equipment sells out. Custom orders take 12–18 months. If you need something specific, start early.
Mistake 2: Forgetting about lead times
Even if equipment is in stock, delivery takes time. Add time for inspection, paperwork, and logistics. Don't assume a December 15 order arrives before March 16.
Mistake 3: Not submitting funding applications early
Funding programs have processing times. A late application might not be approved before the season ends.
Mistake 4: Ignoring maintenance in the planning process
Planning isn't just about new purchases. It's also about what existing equipment needs service, what parts need to be stocked, and what should come out for repair.
Bridge Financing: When Budgets Are Tight
If your year-end budget is depleted but you need equipment now, bridge financing can help.
How it works:
- Secure the equipment during winter road season
- Structure payments to align with your new fiscal year budget (April 1)
- Avoid missing the delivery window due to timing issues
This is particularly useful for communities that know funding is coming but need equipment before the budget resets.
How We Help With Planning
We work alongside First Nations leadership to plan for winter road season:
1. Needs assessment:
What equipment do you have? What's the condition? Where are the gaps?
2. Equipment sourcing:
What's available now? What needs to be ordered? What are realistic delivery timelines?
3. Funding navigation:
What programs apply to your purchase? What are the deadlines? How can we strengthen your application?
4. Logistics coordination:
When will roads open? When should equipment be delivered? How do we ensure timing works?
Start the Conversation Now
The best time to plan for winter road season is before winter road season.
If your community is thinking about equipment, maintenance, or infrastructure for this year or next, let's talk now—while there's time to do it right.
Have questions? Let's talk.
Contact Us | 431-430-1115
