Ottawa woke up to approximately 20 to 25 centimetres this morning. Snowmageddon, Snowpocalypse, Snowpalooza—however you call it, that's a lot of snow! Our Roads and Parking services team has been out non-stop for days (and nights!) and you better believe there's no stopping them!
Forecast and conditions
Environment Canada has lifted the snowfall warning for the Ottawa Region(link is external). A mix of sun and cloud today with winds from the west up to 20 kilometres per hour. Periods of light snow are expected to start this evening and continue overnight into tomorrow with up to 5 centimetres possible. There will be an overnight low of minus 13 with a wind chill at minus 19 and winds at 15 kilometres per hour.
Due to the localized blowing and drifting snow, the transportation network remains slippery and, in some areas, snow-covered. Residents are reminded to exercise caution when out walking, driving, and cycling.
Our response
As the accumulation began, crews were clearing and treating sidewalks, priority roads and the winter cycling network. Our focus shifted to residential streets in the afternoon and continued into the evening and overnight.
This morning, the dayshift picked up right where the nightshift left off and work will continue throughout the day. Crews will continue clearing and treating sidewalks, priority roads and the winter cycling network and clean up any problem spots such as bus stops, crosswalks, intersections, pedestrian islands, corners and cul de sacs. They will also return to residential neighbourhoods to clean up and treat streets as required.
Winter Weather Parking Ban Lifted
The Winter Weather Parking Ban was lifted at 7 am this morning. Residents are reminded to sign up for the Winter Weather Parking Ban e-alerts(link is external) to stay up to date on upcoming winter parking restrictions.
You can continue supporting our operations by finding off-street parking options. If you can, please ask a friend or neighbour if you can share their laneway. When vehicles are removed from our streets, the Roads and Parking Services team can clear snow efficiently to create a wide-open roadway.
Next steps
Roads and Parking Services will continue to monitor the transportation network today and over the weekend. Looking ahead at the forecast, periods of light snow are expected to begin this evening and continue overnight with up to 5 centimetres possible. The team will be ready to respond accordingly.
With the amount of snow that has blanketed the city this past week, the Roads and Parking Services team is preparing for selective snow removal operations. Supervisors are reviewing their snow removal plans and further updates will be provided.
We would like to thank residents for their patience and support as we complete our operations.
The team has responded to back-to-back events this week, and I’d like to acknowledge the dedication and ongoing hard work of the entire winter operations team. Whether they are on the front lines responding to the storm or behind the scenes supporting the operations, it is a mighty team that ensures our transportation network is safe and passable for all users.
Unless the forecast changes significantly, please consider this your operations update for this winter event and upcoming weekend.
Continue to travel with care.
