The Roads and Parking Services team has been busy and still hard at work cleaning up from the aftermath of this weekend’s winter wallop. Significant winds have been relentless with no sign of easing up until tomorrow. The blowing snow is creating snow drifts as high as 5 feet on some sections of the sidewalk network and much higher on roadways in open spaces, especially in rural areas of the city. With drifts this high, it takes larger equipment to come in and remove the snow before a sidewalk plow or grader can clear and open up the transportation network. This has slowed down operations; however, crews are doing their best under these extremely challenging conditions. As a reminder, cleanup and snow removal will take several weeks to complete. Understanding and patience are key as we complete our work.
Forecast and conditions
A mix of sun and cloud today with a chance of flurries. Winds will be 20 kilometres per hour gusting to 40, causing blowing and drifting snow in localized areas of the city. Residents are reminded to exercise caution when using the transportation network.
Transportation network conditions and our response
The sustained wind has made it difficult to efficiently restore the transportation network to the normal standards we maintain. We know the snowbanks are high, the roads are narrow, and some sidewalks are not clear, but rest assured, we are actively working on addressing the issues created by the blowing and drifting snow across the transportation network. We also have been hard at work on the transitway, park and rides and bus stops where snow drifts have also been an issue. Our biggest challenge—the wind! Once a plow or sidewalk machine has passed, in some areas of the city, it quickly looks like it hasn’t been there. There’s a lot to accomplish, and it is going to take some time, but crews will keep going until the transportation network has been restored.
Supervisors continue to monitor the transportation network. The priority roads are in good condition, with snow-covered, icy spots reported in some areas due to blowing and drifting snow. Since Sunday, residential streets have been plowed twice, and conditions are currently snow packed. Crews continue to clear blowing and drifting snow from the sidewalk network using blowers which has significantly slowed operations. The use of blowers also requires a second pass to scrape the sidewalk clean after the blower has been through.
The team has opened up most bus stops, crosswalks, intersections, pedestrian island and corners, but will have to return to address issues created by blowing and drifting snow and complete a full clean up.
Given the significant winds, blowing and drifting snow and continued cleanup efforts, the Significant Weather Event remains in effect until further notice.
Snow removal operations
The Roads and Parking Services team is preparing for snow removal operations throughout the City.
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.
- 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 its work on restoring the transportation network. We appreciate your understanding as the team navigates the challenging conditions the wind is creating.
