It’s like the forecast is stuck on a five‑to‑ten‑centimetre loop. Actually, this whole winter feels that way—on repeat, with no skip button in sight. We just need to keep reminding ourselves that everything's gonna be fine, fine, fine. 'Cause we've got one hand in our pocket and the other one is hailing the Roads and Parking Services team!
Forecast and conditions
Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement(link is external) for the Ottawa region. Periods of heavy snow are expected to begin late this morning or early this afternoon and continue into the evening, with 7 to 12 centimetres possible. Winds will reach up to 15 kilometres per hour, with a daytime high of minus 8 and a wind chill near minus 15. The overnight low is forecast at minus 9. Given the timing of this event and accumulation amounts remain variable, we have decided not to call a Winter Weather Parking Ban.
Residents are reminded to travel with extreme caution as deteriorating travel conditions are expected during the evening commute. Accumulating snow could make travel difficult and visibility may be suddenly reduced at times. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots will become snow covered and slippery.
Our response
The Roads and Parking Services team is ready! Supervisors will be monitoring how this system tracks and the conditions of the transportation network through the day, evening and overnight. Once accumulation begins, all available resources will be deployed. Our focus will be on clearing and treating 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 centres as well as some City facility parking lots.
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.
- 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.
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Please place garbage, recycling, and organic collection bins in your driveway and not on the road or sidewalks. Residents can sign up to receive City of Ottawa 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(link is external) and Android(link is external) devices to confirm their collection day.
- Please note: Although recycling collection will still appear in the weekly Ottawa Waste Collection Reminder from the City of Ottawa, it is now managed by the Province of Ontario. If residents experience any issues with recycling collection, they can contact Miller Waste at 1-888-852-2374 or [email protected](link opens email application). General questions about the recycling program can be directed to Circular Materials(link is external).
Next steps
Roads and Parking Services will continue to monitor the forecast and the transportation network over the next 24 hours.
Please travel with care today.
