The City Prepares for Winter: Inside the Operations That Keep Us Moving

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As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, the City springs into action to get ready for winter, ensuring that our roads and sidewalks are clear and communities are safe throughout the season.

Winter Weather Parking Bans

Starting today, November 15 until April 1, winter weather parking bans can be called to support winter operations when weather conditions require more road crews to be out clearing and treating our transportation network. When vehicles are removed from our streets, the Roads and Parking Services team can create a wide-open roadway more efficiently. There is no parking on City streets when a winter weather parking ban is in effect. Residential parking permit holders are exempt unless temporary ‘no parking’ signs are in place for snow removal. Certain business areas are also exempt from parking bans to ensure that residents can continue to visit their favourite local business during the snowy season.

To help residents prepare, the City aims to call winter parking bans by specific times. Overnight winter parking bans, which are in effect from 7 pm to 7 am, will be announced to residents by 9 am. Daytime parking bans, which are in effect from 10 am to 7 pm, will be announced to residents by 3:30 pm the day prior – except in extreme weather conditions. Last winter, three parking bans were called between November 2023 and April 2024.

Wondering where to park? There are several locations city-wide where residents can park during a winter weather parking ban.

To be notified any time a parking ban is called, sign up for winter parking e-alerts, follow the City on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, download the City app or visit Ottawa.ca/WinterParking.

Significant Weather Events

A Significant Weather Event is declared when hazardous weather forecasted by Environment Canada has the potential to impact City services. This declaration suspends the Maintenance Quality Standards (MQS) timelines required for our City to meet our winter maintenance objectives. During a Significant Weather Event, all resources are deployed and crews work hard to keep sidewalks, roads and the winter cycling network clear of snow and ice, but due to weather conditions, they may require more time than usual. During these events, we encourage residents to limit travel wherever possible and adapt to the conditions of the road.

Shovel safely

When clearing snow, windrows and ice from your property, please take your time and use caution to avoid injury. Need help clearing your driveway and/or walkway this winter? Visit this webpage to learn more about the City’s Snow Go and Snow Go Assist Programs, for help around the home.

Do you need volunteer hours? Become a Snow Angel! Support your community by helping someone you know who is elderly or has a disability, by clearing snow or ice from their driveway, steps or walkway. More information on the Snow Angel Program is available on Ottawa.ca.

A smile goes a long way

Even though winter can be long and challenging, roads staff work tirelessly to keep sidewalks, roads and the winter cycling network free of snow and ice. Check out this video for a reminder of all the hard work and dedication that goes into keeping our communities safe and the importance of being patient and kind. Showing our crews kindness goes a long way and a simple smile or wave can help warm up a chilly winter’s day.

While waving hello to our crews, make sure to keep an eye out for the 24 newly named snowplows across the city and, when you see one, take a picture and tag us using the hashtag #OttCityNameThePlow!

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

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