Ready to Roll: Meet Ottawa’s Snowplow Superstars!

Winter Preparedness

With temperatures still in the 20s, it’s hard to believe winter is just around the corner. While we enjoy the warmth, our Roads and Parking Services team is already preparing for the season ahead. Snowplow operators have completed their training, trial runs, and spent the last few weeks familiarizing themselves with their routes. So, if you spot a snowplow on the roads, don’t worry—it’s not yet clearing snow. They’re out practicing their routes, testing equipment, and making sure everything is ready when winter hits.

Our snowplows are out now to ensure they’re prepared for the first snowstorm. Although we’re hoping for a little more fall weather, our winter warriors are ready for the season ahead.

Snowplow Safety: Tips for Everyone

As winter approaches, it’s important to stay safe around snowplows. Here are some simple safety tips:

• Flashing Blue Lights: If you see a snowplow or sidewalk plow with flashing blue lights, they’re at work. Step aside into a driveway to give them space.
• Keep Your Distance: Stay at least three car lengths behind snowplows. Never attempt to pass them.
• Wave from a Distance: Snowplows are fun to watch, but always maintain a safe distance. Wave to operators from afar.
• Wear Bright Colours: Make sure snowplow operators can see you when playing outside by wearing bright clothing.
• Build Snow Forts in the Backyard: Snowplows need clear streets. Avoid building snow forts near the road to stay visible and safe.

Did you know? City snowplows clear over 13,000 lane kilometres of roadways each winter—that’s like driving from Halifax to Vancouver and back!

The “Name the Plow” Campaign

This winter, we launched the “Name the Plow” campaign! Local children and youth had the chance to name 24 snowplows, each representing a ward in the city. The campaign not only raised awareness about snowplow safety but also added some fun to the season. Our newly named plows are now ready to clear major routes like Highway 174 and the Transitway, and help keep our residential streets safe.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this fun initiative. The hardworking Roads and Parking Services team and their snowplow operators deserve our recognition for their tireless efforts in keeping our city moving, no matter the weather. Keep an eye out for the newly named snowplows as they hit the streets this winter!