Library programs at the St. Laurent library branch - January
An update from the City's Roads and Parking Services Department.
Mother Nature is at it again! As of 8 o’clock this morning, the Ottawa Airport reported 8 centimetres of snow and forecast shows that precipitations will continue through to mid-day today, possibly bringing another 3 to 5 centimetres before lunch. While snow is expected to taper off throughout the afternoon, the temperature is forecasted to make a slow progression towards the freezing mark. Given that there is more snow than originally forecasted and considering the timing of this event, we decided not to call a winter weather parking ban. However, we will be working in residential neighbourhoods today and would appreciate that for anyone who can, to please find off-street parking wherever possible.
While they may not be as strong as they were during the major winter storm, winds remain a factor in certain parts of the City and pockets of localised blowing snow and reduced visibility are possible throughout the day.
The City's response
Crews were deployed at the start of accumulation and began treating and clearing priority sidewalks, priority roads and the winter cycling network. With an operational shift expected later this morning, teams are anticipating starting residential work around mid-to-late morning. Once the residential network is complete, we will begin cleaning up problem spots such as bus stops, intersections, crosswalks, islands and cul de sacs.
The active transportation network – such as our sidewalks and multi-use pathways – also remains a priority for Roads and Parking Services, and restoration work on these networks will continue throughout the week.
Please be aware that today surfaces such as sidewalks, roads and the winter cycling network could be slippery; we are asking everyone to travel with care and to adjust to the conditions of the transportation network.
Next Steps
Tomorrow, the temperature is expected to reach 5 degrees Celsius, with a high of 7 predicted for Friday. Rain remains in the forecast and is set to begin tomorrow, continuing intermittently before intensifying as we head into the weekend. Saturday, 10 to 15 millimetres is possible, threatening areas prone to localised flooding during winter rainfall events.
Once clearing and treating of our transportation network is complete and in anticipation of the rain that is in the forecast, operations will shift to preventative drainage work and teams will be working on opening catch basins that are currently covered with snow. If you are out this week, please consider clearing your local catch basin to allow rain and melting snow to drain from the roadway. This will also help to avoid ice build up in your area as Sunday’s temperature is expected to drop below the freezing point. You may also report a blocked catch basin by visiting Ottawa.ca.
