Be in the know about snow
Mornings have become frosty and the trees are now bare, which can only mean one thing – winter is fast approaching. Read on to find out what the City does to keep everything running as smoothly as possible in winter.
Winter Weather Parking Bans
When a parking ban is called, parking your car on city streets is prohibited unless you have a residential parking permit or are out enjoying local businesses in specified areas. The decision to call a parking ban isn’t taken lightly. It is only done when weather conditions require more road crews to be out clearing snow or spreading abrasives to make our roads and sidewalks less slippery. Last winter, eight parking bans were called between November and April.
Overnight winter parking bans go from 7 pm to 7 am. The City aims to announce them to residents around 9 am. Daytime parking bans, which go from 10 am to 7 pm, will be announced to residents around 3:30 pm the day prior – except in extreme weather conditions.
To be alerted of a parking ban, sign up for winter parking e-alerts, follow the City on Twitter and Facebook, download the City app, or visit ottawa.ca/winterparking.
Significant Weather Events
Significant Weather Events are declared when Environment Canada forecasts conditions that may pose significant danger to people on Ottawa’s highways. Two Significant Weather Events were called last winter. Residents might remember the Significant Weather Event in January, which had over 48 centimetres of snow blanketing the city in a very short amount of time.
You can expect to see our Roads crews out during a Significant Weather Event working hard to keep sidewalks, roads and winter cycling network clear of snow and ice, but keep in mind that they might need extra time due to the weather conditions. During a Significant Weather Event, we encourage residents to limit their travel unless it is essential and adjust to the conditions of the road.
The view from the windrow
Roads crews are committed to making roads safe and drivable. When clearing a safe path of travel for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists, windrows are inevitable, and operators understand how cumbersome they can be. We understand that no one loves shoveling snow, but residents are responsible for clearing windrows from their laneway.
Play it smart
When clearing snow and windrows from your laneway, please be sure not to overexert yourself and take as much time as you need.
Need help clearing your driveway and/or walkway during the winter? For information on City’s Snow Go and Snow Go Assist Programs visit Help around the home on ottawa.ca.
