All systems snow: getting ready for winter

It’s that time of year again. The trees have shed their leaves, pumpkin spice season has come and gone, and there is a chill in the air – winter is here. As the coldest season of the year begins, the City is already working to keep our roads and sidewalks clear and our communities safe throughout the winter months.

Winter weather parking bans

Between November 15 and April 1, winter weather parking bans may be called to support winter operations when Environment Canada forecasts a snowfall of seven centimetres or more, or a range that includes seven centimetres or more of snow, for the Ottawa area. 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 allowed 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.

Wondering where to park during a parking ban? 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 of Ottawa app or visit our winter parking webpage.

Significant Weather Events

A Significant Weather Event is declared when hazardous weather, as forecasted by Environment Canada, has the potential to impact City services. This declaration suspends the Maintenance Quality Standards (MQS) timelines the City is normally required to meet for 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. However, due to weather conditions, our crews may require more time than usual. During these events, we encourage residents to limit travel whenever possible and adapt to the conditions of the road.

What to know about clearing snow from your property 

• Do not push snow and ice onto the street, sidewalk, path, park or right of way.
• Keep fire hydrants clear of snow.
• Use wood, plastic, fibreglass or metal driveway markers, which should be no larger than a hockey stick and set back from the street or sidewalk.
• Clear catch basins or drains in front of your property when the weather becomes mild. Find your nearest catch basin using our catch basin locator map.

Shoveling smarts and neighbourly support

When our crews clear snow from streets and sidewalks, it often leaves windrows — those piles of snow that build up at the ends of driveways and along the streets. While they can be a challenge, property owners are responsible for clearing windrows from their laneway.

As you are clearing windrows, snow and ice from your property, be sure to take your time and use caution to avoid overexerting or injuring yourself.

If you need help clearing your driveway and/or walkway this winter, check out the City’s Snow Go and Snow Go Assist Programs.

If you are looking to give back this winter, consider becoming 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.