Isn’t it pretty out there, Ottawa? It looks like we’re in a snow globe! It just won’t stop snowing, but one thing is for sure: the Roads and Parking Services team has been out in full force and will keep going until the entire transportation network has been treated and cleared!
Forecast and conditions
Snow accumulation in Ottawa has varied across the city, with higher amounts reported in the east, north, and far west.
Light snow will transition to flurries before coming to an end after midnight when cloudy conditions are expected to move in. Winds from the southwest are expected at 20 kilometres per hour, gusting to 50 kilometres with the overnight low forecasted at minus 6 with a wind chill of minus 12. The cold temperatures have arrived this week, with overnight lows expected to dip into the negative mid-teens at times.
If you are travelling, please exercise caution by adjusting to the conditions of the transportation network.
Our response
Supervisors will be monitoring the conditions of the transportation network throughout the evening and overnight. Crews will continue to treat sidewalks, arterial roads and the winter cycling network. Work will begin in most residential neighbourhoods to clear and/or treat streets, as required, overnight into the morning. The night shift will pick up right where the day shift leaves off and work overnight to ensure the transportation network is in good condition for the morning commute. They will also focus on cleaning up any problem areas such as bus stops, crosswalks, intersections, pedestrian islands, corners and cul de sacs.
As snow accumulation varies across the city, decisions whether to plow or to just treat the residential roads will be made locally rather than applied consistently citywide.
As a reminder, the snow is wet and heavy so it will take crews longer to get through the entire transportation network. Please be patient as our crews navigate these difficult conditions.
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.
- There is no need to create a service request for routine snow clearing. We are on the job and our efforts are currently needed out in the community; service requests should only be created for emergencies.
- Please place garbage, recycling, and organic collection bins in your driveway and not on the road or sidewalks. Residents can sign up to receive reminders and service alerts for their waste collection day by email or phone call at ottawa.ca/CollectionCalendar or can download the Ottawa Collection Calendar mobile app for Apple and Android devices to confirm their collection day.
Next steps
The Roads and Parking Services team will continue to monitor the weather over the next 24 hours. Conditions will make things difficult to navigate – the team will adapt and respond accordingly. Support from our residents is greatly appreciated as crews respond to this event.
