Yesterday, at Transportation Committee, Chair Tierney announced the final 24 snowplow names from our Name the Plow Campaign.
We reached out to school boards, youth groups, CHEO, community associations, Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services, and the Ottawa Public Library to help support us build awareness around snowplow safety among Ottawa’s children and youth. Although the purpose of the campaign was safety, why not have some fun naming snowplows in the process? And did we have fun! Between September 9 and 30, almost 500 names were submitted via Engage Ottawa. Once the name submission period closed, the names were put into a raffle wheel that was brought to various Public Works yards across the city and operators drew 48 names at random. Voting took place between October 14th and the 21st and there were over 2,200 votes! I’m pleased to share with you the 24 winning names! A full list is also available on Engage Ottawa.
| Austin Plowers | Good SnOmens | Sherlock Snowmes | Snowmageddon |
| Blizzard Wizard | Han Snowlo | Shiver Me Blizzards | Taylor Drift |
| Croque-Neige | Jon Bon Snowvi | Sir Plows a Lot | Tim Snowtons |
| Edward Blizzardhands | Pacman contre la neige | SnoMore | Winter Wonderplow |
| Fast and Flurious | Plowasaurus Rex | Snow Big Deal | You Don’t Snow Me |
| Flurrious George | Plowy McPlow | Snowbi Gon Kenobi | You’re a Blizzard, Harry |
These names symbolize the city’s 24 wards. I’ll be in touch with each of you soon to let you know which named plow will be in your ward this winter season. In the meantime, the following social post has been drafted for you to engage residents this winter season:
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the newly named plows across the city and, when you see one, take a picture and tag us using the hashtag #OttCityNameThePlow!
Safety Tips:
- A snowplow weighs 25,000 kilograms. That’s the weight of FOUR elephants! City plows are also 23 feet long and 11 feet tall. If you see a plow coming, make sure to give it lots of space!
- A snowplow has a blind spot of up to 50 feet. To stay safe, make sure not to run, walk or play directly behind or near a plow.
- Wearing bright colours when you’re outside playing in the snow will help snowplow drivers see you.
- Snow forts should always be built in the backyard and not along the side of the road. Our snowplow drivers won’t be able to see you when you’re playing!
Thank you for supporting the Name the Plow campaign.
