It’s a very busy time for the Roads and Parking Services team. Last night, we continued to clean up and treat icy conditions on our transportation network, with a focus on sidewalks as well as any problem areas such as bus stops, crosswalks, intersections, pedestrian islands, corners, and cul-de-sacs. City staff and crews have been on the job around the clock, and we would like to acknowledge their hard work, perseverance and dedication.
Forecast and conditions
Environment Canada has issued a Weather Advisory for the Ottawa region due to a low pressure system tracking south of the area. Periods of snow beginning near midnight and continuing until Sunday evening is anticipated, with 10 to 15 centimetres of snow accumulation expected. Very cold air is also expected to be in place, which means more light and fluffy snow. Winds could gust up to 40 kilometres per hour at times, reducing visibility.
Be prepared to adjust to the changing conditions of the transportation network. Take extra care when walking, driving or cycling in affected areas. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery.
Our Response
This evening and heading into the overnight hours, snow removal operations will resume with a focus on minor collector and residential streets within our urban core. Given the forecast, crews are ready to shift their efforts to respond to the next system moving into the region.
All available resources will be deployed and will work around the clock. At the start of accumulation early Sunday morning, work will begin by clearing and treating sidewalks, priority roads and the winter cycling network. Teams will continue working throughout the day, into the evening and overnight tomorrow.
A Winter Weather Parking Ban is Being Called
A Winter Weather Parking Ban will be in effect tomorrow Sunday, January 29 from 7pm to Monday, January 30 at 7am. When vehicles are removed from our streets, the Roads and Parking Services team can clear snow efficiently to create a wide-open roadway.
During this time, all vehicles must be removed from the roadway - unless you have an eligible parking permit or are accessing parking in our exempted commercial main streets. Though eligible parking permit holders are exempt, we encourage those who can, to remove their vehicles to prevent them from being snowed in. Information on parking options during a winter weather parking ban is available on Ottawa.ca/winterparking.
Residents can stay in the know about our winter weather parking bans by signing up for e-alerts at Ottawa.ca, or by downloading the City of Ottawa app.
Snow Removal Operations are Paused
Snow removal operations will be paused tomorrow, and resources will be reallocated to respond to this storm. Snow removal operations will resume once our storm response has ended, and residential streets within our urban core that have not yet been completed will be prioritized.
Next Steps
Roads and Parking Services will continue to monitor this system and the transportation network over the next 36 hours, and we will adjust our response according to the conditions.
We are committed to keeping you informed as we progress through the event and will provide another update tomorrow.
These past few weeks of winter have been challenging, and we appreciate your patience, understanding and continued support of our winter operations.
