It seemed like it was never going to stop, but it finally tapered off last night. Since Wednesday evening, Ottawa has received just over 70 centimetres of snow. The Roads and Parking Services team have not had a minute to take a breath, they have kept going and going and going. Did you know that it’s 40,000 kilometres to travel all the way around the earth once? Crews have travelled over 62,000 kilometres since the first storm arrived in Ottawa. That means our operators have driven the equivalent of going all the way around the earth and then some – in a snowstorm!
Understanding and patience is key over the coming days as crews begin the cleanup today. Although it has stopped snowing, there is significant blowing and drifting snow and it’s wreaking havoc on the transportation network. Crews are doing their best, however, we recognize snowbanks are high, sidewalks are still snow covered and roads are narrow. Cleanup will take several days to complete and it remains challenging to get around the city today.
Given the amount of snow the city received and cleanup efforts, the Significant Weather Event remains in effect until further notice.
Forecast and conditions
It will be mainly cloudy today and the wind will be 30 kilometres per hour gusting to 50, causing blowing and drifting snow in localized areas of the city. Residents are reminded to exercise caution when using the transportation network.
Our response
In the aftermath of the storm, supervisors continue to monitor the conditions of transportation network. Today, crews will focus on cleaning up the entire transportation network from yesterday’s snowfall. They will also take care of any problem areas such as bus stops, crosswalks, intersections, pedestrian islands, corners and cul de sacs. There’s a lot to accomplish, and it is going to take some, but crews will keep going until the transportation network has been restored.
As a reminder, Ottawa got a lot of snow, and the wind is creating significant blowing and drifting snow, so crews need extra time to get through the entire transportation network. Please be patient.
Snow removal operations
The Roads and Parking Services team is preparing for selective snow removal operations throughout the City. A message will be provided tomorrow on the exact timing, locations and the planned schedule.
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 or download the City of Ottawa app 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.
Resident support is required
- Flashing blue lights means we are hard at work. If you see a sidewalk plow approaching, please step aside into an open driveway. Always remember to stay at least 3 car lengths behind our vehicles – please never pass our vehicles.
- Please help keep our streets clear and avoid shoveling snow onto the roadway, bike lanes, sidewalks, pathways and parks as it slows down our operations.
- If tomorrow is your waste collection day, please place garbage, recycling, and organic bins in your driveway and not on the road or sidewalks.
- With all that snow out there, it’s an exciting time to play, build snow forts and snowmen. It’s important children always do fun winter activities in the backyard and not on snowbanks along the road where our snowplow operators are working.
Next steps
This has been a busy time for the Roads and Parking Services team and the work continues to ensure the transportation network keeps Ottawa moving.
