Who loves a snow day more than kids? The Roads and Parking Services team, that's who! Days like this fuel their passion and this weather event is shaping up to be a big one. It's windy out there and the snow isn't letting up anytime soon which may lead to a messy afternoon and evening commute. So grab your shovels and pack your patience because we've got work to do!
Forecast and conditions
Environment Canada issued a Snowfall warning(link is external) for the Ottawa region which remains in effect today as significant snowfall continues. Snow began to fall early this morning and quickly covered the transportation network. It is expected to intensify through the day with a total of 15 to 25 centimetres possible. Winds from the north at 20 kilometres per hour, gusting to 40 causing blowing and drifting snow in open areas. Visibility may reduced at times.
Conditions will be hazardous and non-essential travel should be avoided. For those who must travel, please give yourself extra time and adjust to the conditions of the transportation network.
Our response
Roads and Parking Services is ready! All resources have been deployed to clear and treat sidewalks, priority roads, bus routes, the Transitway and the winter cycling network. Supervisors will continue to monitor the conditions of the transportation network throughout the day, into the evening and overnight. Crews are expected to reach the residential neighbourhoods to clear and treat streets later this afternoon and into the evening and overnight.
We are asking for patience today. This is major event, and operations will take longer than normal.
An Overnight Winter Weather Parking Ban is Being Called
A Winter Weather Parking Ban will be in effect tonight Thursday, January 15 from 7 pm to 7 am. 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. 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(link is external) at Ottawa.ca, or by downloading the City of Ottawa app.
Resident support is required
- 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.
- 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.
- You can support our operations by finding off-street parking options. If you can, please ask a friend or neighbour to 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.
- 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.
Next Steps
Roads and Parking Services will continue to monitor the forecast and the transportation network as the afternoon and evening commute is expected to be a challenge for all users including our crews.
We would like to thank residents for their patience and support as we complete our operations.
I am committed to keeping you informed and will provide another update tomorrow on the team’s progress and the upcoming forecast.
Please continue to travel with extreme care today.
