Well, Ottawa, the weather outside is frightful, and is anyone finding it delightful? The Roads and Parking Services team is; they wait all summer long for this! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Forecast and conditions
A Snowfall Warning remains in effect for the Ottawa region. Heavy snow and local blowing snow is expected to continue through tonight with another 10 centimetres forecasted. Windy conditions out of the west at 30 kilometres per hour gusting to 50 are expected after midnight hour causing drifting snow in open areas.
As a reminder, accumulating snow could make travel challenging and visibility may be suddenly reduced in heavy snow. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate. If you are travelling, allow extra time and please exercise extreme caution by adjusting to the conditions of the transportation network.
Our response
The Roads and Parking Services team has been out in full force all day and all resources have been deployed! Supervisors are monitoring the conditions of the transportation network and will continue through the evening and overnight. Work to clear and treat sidewalks, arterial roads and the winter cycling network will transition to residential neighbourhoods this evening and continue overnight through to the morning. In some areas of the city this is the first residential plow run of the season, and we are asking for your patience as operations may take longer than normal.
Winter Weather Parking ban is in effect
A Winter Weather Parking Ban is in effect until 7 am tomorrow. 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 at Ottawa.ca, or by downloading the City of Ottawa app.
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.
Next steps
Over the next 24 hours and beyond, the Roads and Parking Services will continue to monitor this system as it moves through the city as well as the transportation network.
Your continued patience, understanding and support is appreciated as crews respond to this winter event and navigate these very challenging weather conditions.
