August 21, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
February 16, 2025 Special Edition Newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
This is a special edition of my newsletter due to the weather system that is expected to bring 30 to 40 centimetres of snow throughout this long weekend. I want to thank you for your patience and understanding as the City responds to another major winter event.
My office has been monitoring the situation throughout the weekend and will continue to respond to resident concerns. Road maintenance crews have been working continuously on cleanup operations from the previous storm that impacted the City on February 12-13, though some neighborhoods still face challenges with high snow banks and narrowed roads and sidewalks. These existing conditions, combined with the approaching storm, will create substantial operational challenges for snow clearing efforts across the transportation network.
Prior to the last winter storm, City staff had initiated a comprehensive snow removal program for residential streets in Ottawa's urban core. While many streets received clearing service, some areas remain pending. The City has designated these outstanding locations as priority areas for snow removal once cleanup operations from this incoming storm are completed.
The combination of existing snow accumulation from the previous storm and the predicted significant snowfall will pose extraordinary challenges for both residents and City operations in the coming days. The City’s Roads and Parking Services team continues to monitor weather forecasts and adjust response plans accordingly, though residents should expect longer-than-normal cleanup periods due to the compound effects of these consecutive major winter events.
Weather Conditions
While we experienced some light snow on Saturday, a major winter storm is expected to impact Ottawa throughout this long weekend, with 25 to 40 cm of snow anticipated by Sunday night into Monday morning. As a result, a Winter Storm Warning has been issued by Environment Canada for Ottawa. Snowfall rates are expected to reach 3 to 6 centimetres per hour. Winds of 30 kilometres per hour with gusts up to 50 will create blowing and drifting snow in exposed areas.
Heavy snowfall combined with blowing snow will create periods of near-zero visibility. The heaviest snowfall is predicted for today, with rates of 2 to 4 cm per hour possible. Blustery winds and difficult travel conditions are anticipated on Sunday and non-essential travel is discouraged. Those who must venture out should use extreme caution on all transportation routes.
The City’s Office of Emergency Management has entered "Monitoring" status and stands ready to coordinate a City-wide response if required. In response to this second storm's anticipated impacts, Public Works has activated its emergency command centre to enhance coordination across all service areas.
City Response
The arrival of a second major winter storm within just five days poses exceptional operational challenges, even with the City's entire fleet and workforce mobilized. Due to the storm's severity, the City has extended its “Significant Weather Event” status, acknowledging that standard maintenance timeframes cannot be met. The extraordinary snowfall rates mean that even recently plowed areas will quickly become snow-covered again, requiring repeated clearing passes throughout the transportation network. While this may create the impression of unplowed routes, residents should be assured that City crews are actively working throughout Ottawa at maximum capacity.
All resources will be deployed. Once accumulation begins, crews will focus on treating and clearing sidewalks, priority roads, bus routes, the Transitway and the winter cycling network.Simultaneously, the City's Parks Maintenance teams are deploying across Ottawa to clear parking facilities, prioritizing emergency service locations like Fire and Paramedic stations, followed by community recreation centers.
Winter Weather Parking Ban
Due to weather conditions, the winter weather parking ban will be in effect on February 16 as of 10:00 am and until further notice across Ottawa. Alternative parking during a parking ban can be found by visiting the Winter Parking webpage.
Please be sure to remove your vehicle from the alternative parking spots once the ban is lifted.
During a winter weather parking ban, parking is prohibited on city streets so crews can plow easily and effectively. Vehicles parked on the street during a ban may be ticketed and towed.
On-street monthly parking permit holders are exempt from this restriction when they are parked in residential parking permit zones.
Available parking
During winter weather parking bans, residents will have access to select OC Transpo park and rides as well as certain recreation centres. Some City parking garages are available for parking during winter parking bans, however it is important that residents take note of what time they need to remove their car. Visit ottawa.ca/winterparking for more information about which City facilities are available during winter weather parking bans.
Commercial main streets
To help residents shop local, some commercial main streets are exempt from winter parking bans. When a parking ban is called during winter weather events, residents can park in the identified areas, while observing all posted signage and pay and display requirements.
Hydro Ottawa Preparations
Hydro Ottawa is monitoring the weather, and has crews on stand-by, ready to respond.
Hydro customers are encouraged to be prepared in case of extended power outages. Please ensure that electronics, such as cell phones and laptops, are fully charged before the storm begins. To learn more about storm preparedness, please visit the Hydro Ottawa Outage Safety page.
If outages occur, an estimated time of restoration will be determined for each outage once damage has been assessed by our crews. The safety of crews and the public remains Ottawa Hydro’s top priority. The Outage Map is updated every 15 minutes as new information comes in from Hydro crews.
If your power is out, you can report it online, via the Hydro Ottawa mobile app, by texting “OUT” to PWROUT (797688) or by calling our 24/7 outage line at 613-738-0188.
Hydro Ottawa recommends storm preparation measures that include assembling an emergency kit containing essential medications, first aid supplies, battery-powered devices (flashlights, radio), manual can opener, non-perishable food, water, blankets, and important contact information.
Residents with medical equipment requiring constant power should secure backup power solutions or arrange alternative accommodation if necessary, and those with mobility needs in buildings with elevators should notify property management about potential assistance requirements. Residents also should consider installing a backup power system for sump pumps to prevent basement flooding during outages.
Ongoing Updates
Updates will be shared on my Facebook page, my Ward 13 X account and on my website. If you require assistance or information, please reach out to my office by emailing [email protected] or calling 613-580-2483.
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