Ottawa, where is spring and why is it taking it so long to find us?! We’re over halfway through the season, and it already feels like we’ve lived through an entire winter. So far, we have had 41 days where snowfall has resulted in accumulation. For context, over the past 25 seasons (dating back to 2001–2002), there have been only four other times when we recorded at least 40 snowfall days by the end of January. So many days of snow! It’s a good thing the Roads and Parking Services team is built for this and always ready to respond.
Forecast and conditions
In addition to the cold warning, Environment Canada has issued a Yellow Warning-Snowfall for the Ottawa region. Heavy snow is expected this afternoon into Monday morning with 10 to 20 centimetres possible. Gusting winds are expected upwards of 50 kilometres per hour that may result in local blowing and drifting snow in open areas. The daytime high is forecast at minus 17 with a wind chill of minus 27. It’s still cold!
Accumulating snow could make travel challenging and visibility may be suddenly reduced in heavy snowfall and blowing snow. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to the accumulating snow. If you are travelling, allow extra time and please exercise extreme caution by adjusting to the conditions of the transportation network.
Snow is expected to taper off to periods of light snow or flurries through Monday morning. The morning commute will likely be impacted.
Our response
The team is ready, and all resources will be deployed! Supervisors will be monitoring the conditions of the transportation network and as the system moves into the region and accumulation begins, crews will be out in full force to clear and treat sidewalks, priority roads, bus routes, the Transitway and the winter cycling network. Parks Maintenance will also be out clearing and treating emergency service stations, libraries and community centers as well as some City facility parking lots.
We are asking for patience. Given the cold temperatures and high winds, this event will be very challenging, and it will take longer than usual for crews to navigate these conditions and restore the transportation network back to good condition.
A daytime parking ban is being called
A Winter Weather Parking Ban will be in effect tomorrow, Monday, January 26 from 10 am to 7 pm. 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, please try to find alternate parking during this time to prevent your vehicle from being snowed in. The City of Ottawa has several parking lots available for residents to park during a parking ban. Vehicles may remain parked at these sites for the duration of the ban and must be removed after the City announces that the ban has been lifted. Information on all 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 will be paused
Resources dedicated to removing snowbanks will be reallocated to respond to this weather event and once the transportation network is restored, crews will be able to return to snow removal operations.
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.
- 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. Information on alternative parking options is available on Ottawa.ca/winterparking.
- 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.
- If tomorrow is your waste collection day, please place garbage, recycling, and organic collection bins in your driveway and not on the road or sidewalks.
- Become a Snow Angel! Support your community by helping someone you know who is elderly or has a disability, by clearing snow or ice from their driveway, steps or walkway. More information on the Snow Angel Program is available on Ottawa.ca.
Next steps
Roads and Parking Services will continue to monitor the forecast and the transportation network over the next 48 hours. While this will be a challenging event for the team, crews will be working nonstop to stay ahead of the storm, and resident support will be crucial.
Thank you for your continued support and please travel with care today.
