Winter Operations Update - Friday, February 28 2025
Between November 15 and April 1, the City may declare a Winter Weather Parking Ban for inclement weather including freezing rain or when Environment Canada forecasts 7 cm or more of snow in the Ottawa area. This includes any forecast for a range of snow more than 7 cm, such as 5 to 10 cm. The Winter Weather Parking Ban will be called to support clearing operations and will continue until the City issues notice that it has been lifted.
When a winter weather parking ban is called, the City issues a special advisory to the local media and posts it on ottawa.ca.
With the exception of significant weather events, our Roads and Parking Services team will be aiming to:
- Make the Winter Weather Parking Ban call by 9 am for an overnight parking ban – overnight parking bans will be from 7 pm to 7 am.
- Make the Winter Weather Parking Ban call by 3:30 pm for a daytime parking ban – daytime parking bans will be from 10 am to 7 pm.
Vehicles without a residential parking permit that are parked on the street during a parking ban may be ticketed and towed.
Impact on residential parking permit holders
If you have a residential parking permit, your vehicle is exempt from winter weather parking bans. Removing your vehicle from the street helps City crews clear the street faster.
Sign up for notifications
- Receive Winter Parking Alerts by email
- Follow the City of Ottawa on Twitter
- Download the City of Ottawa App for your Android or iPhone
Where to park during a Winter Weather Parking Ban: List of Locations
Snow removal: During planned snow removal, temporary "No Parking" signs are posted along streets to be cleared. This parking ban applies to all vehicles, including vehicles with residential parking permits. Any vehicle parked on the street during snowbank removal operations will be ticketed and towed.
How to find your car if it gets towed: Towed vehicles are usually moved to a nearby street where snow removal has already taken place. If you cannot find your vehicle, call 3-1-1.
