Winter Weather Update - Thursday, February 6

The following is information was sent by the Director of Roads and Parking Services at the City to Members of Council regarding forecasted inclement weather conditions.

This information was provided to my office at 8:05am ET on Feb 6th.

Environment Canada has issued a Weather Advisory for the Ottawa region. Snow is expected to begin this morning and will continue through the evening with 5 to 10 centimetres forecasted. There is a risk of freezing drizzle late in the afternoon and early evening. Winds will be up to 20 kilometres per hour, gusting to 35 kilometres per hour, through the day and expected to pick up tonight, causing blowing and drifting snow in open areas, and a risk of snow squalls overnight.

Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. If you are travelling, please exercise caution by adjusting to the conditions of the transportation network.

This is the second winter weather event this week, but there’s no stopping the Roads and Parking Services team: They are ready!

Supervisors have been monitoring the forecast and the transportation network. Once accumulation begins, crews will be deployed to clear and treat sidewalks, priority roads, bus routes, the Transitway and the winter cycling network. The nightshift will pick up where the dayshift leaves off to continue winter operations overnight.

We are asking for patience as our crews navigate variable weather conditions. As the snow accumulates and the winds increase, crews will have to adjust to conditions of the transportation network. Operations may take longer than usual, but rest assured, the team is hard at work.

Resident Support Needed

• Flashing blue lights means we are hard at work. If you see a sidewalk plow approaching, please step aside into an open driveway. Always remember to stay at least 3 car lengths behind our vehicles – please never pass our vehicles.

• Please place garbage, recycling, and organic collection bins in your driveway and not on the road or sidewalks. Residents can sign up to receive reminders and service alerts for their waste collection day by email or phone call at ottawa.ca/CollectionCalendar or can download the Ottawa Collection Calendar mobile app for Apple and Android devices to confirm their collection day.

Next steps

The Roads and Parking Services team will continue to monitor the weather over the next 24 hours. Conditions will make things difficult to navigate - we will adapt and respond accordingly.

The team has responded to back-to-back events this week, and I’d like to acknowledge the dedication and ongoing hard work of the entire winter operations team. Whether they are on the front lines responding to the storm or behind the scenes supporting the operations, it is a mighty team that ensures our transportation network is safe and passable for all users.

I am committed to keeping you informed and will provide another update tomorrow morning on the team’s progress.

 Please travel with care today.