Annual Frozen Water Pipes Service Notices 2025
The beginning of street sweeping operations is a sure sign that spring is here!
Street sweeping operations start April 3 and parking restrictions will be in place in neighbourhoods where concentrated street sweeping is underway.
The annual spring clean-up includes using sweeping machines on all paved roads and hard surfaces. This will remove debris and materials that have accumulated throughout the winter that could pose dangers to traffic, pedestrians/cyclists and clog catch basins.
We begin our street sweeping operations in early spring when most of the snow and ice has melted from the edge of the roadways. We cannot sweep in the evenings when temperatures drop below zero as the water we use on the road can form into ice, creating dangerous conditions.
Residents are reminded to not rake or blow leaves, lawn clippings or other debris onto the roadway. This is an infraction of the Use and Care of Roads (By-law No. 2003-498).
Street Sweeping is done in several phases:
- Sidewalks, bus stop pads and medians are cleaned first by a variety of methods using sidewalk sweepers, flusher trucks and hand brooms.
- City streets are swept by a flusher truck, which uses water pressure to flush the debris to the side of the curbs. A vacuum sweeper truck then picks up the majority of grit, debris, small particles and dust.
- This operation might be repeated several times to ensure a clean surface. If vehicles are parked on the street, the unswept area is noted and crews will return to sweep that portion. If you think a street has been missed, please visit serviceottawa.ca to complete an online request.
- In our suburban communities, we will be working around the clock to complete our street sweeping operations. Residents can expect to see our vehicles out working through the night.
Street Sweeping in Concentrated Areas:
- Concentrated sweeping is conducted in core neighbourhoods which include the downtown core, Vanier, New Edinburgh, Sandy Hill, Glebe, Centretown, West Centretown, ByWard Market, Lowertown, Old Ottawa East, Old Ottawa South and Overbrook. These neighbourhoods receive concentrated street sweeping as a result of continuous on-street parking, which prevents effective sweeping. This type of street sweeping is usually conducted between 7 am and 7 pm.
- On-street parking restrictions are in effect in these neighbourhoods when marked. All Street Sweeping operations are weather dependent.
- Temporary “No Parking” signs are posted prominently. The parking restrictions apply to all vehicles, including those with on-street parking permits.
- Vehicles parked where temporary “no-parking” signs are posted will towed to nearby streets. Towed vehicles are usually moved just a few blocks over.
- If you are unable to find your vehicle on your own, please call 3-1-1.
To learn more: https://bit.ly/3TWkkTz
