Winter Operations Update -Thursday, February 28
The following is information was prepared based on information sent by Roads and Parking Services at the City to Members of Council and information from Environment Canada. It is accurate as of 12:55pm on February 28, 2025.
Forecast and conditions
Environment Canada has issued a Snowfall Warning for the Ottawa region. In addition to yesterday’s snow fall, up to an additional 15 cm is forecasted to fall between late this afternoon into Saturday morning.
Snowfalls are expected to be heavy at times, with the heaviest activity expected this evening into the overnight.
Residents are reminded to exercise extreme caution by adjusting to the changing conditions of the transportation network as visibility may be reduced at times in heavy snow.
Our response
🚨 PARKING BAN ALERT 🚨
A Winter Weather Parking Ban will be in effect on Saturday, March 1, from 10 AM to 7 PM. ❄️🚗
Roads Supervisors at the City are monitoring the conditions of the transportation network. Once accumulation begins, crews will be deployed to clear and treat conditions on priority roads, sidewalks, bus routes, and other priority parts of the City’s transportation network.
The transportation network remains difficult to navigate for crews and residents alike in some parts of Ottawa. City staff are asking for patience as operations may take longer than usual due to reduced visibility and the amount of snow still on the ground.
Snow removal operations
Due to the forecast, snow removal operations will be paused in select areas of Ottawa so crews can respond to the weather event and will continue as planned in other areas.
Next steps
Please travel with care. The Roads and Parking Services team may provide additional updates as the storm evolves.
For more information about this storm, please use the below links or scroll down further to review some frequently asked questions.
FAQs and More Information
These quality standards apply during most winter weather events. However, this is not the case during a declared Significant Weather Event. The intent of declaring a SWE is to notify the public that because of the forecast and/or current weather conditions, it will take longer than usual to restore the transportation network to expected conditions and that caution is to be exercised when using sidewalks, roads, and the winter cycling network.
How are pathways maintained? Why are some pathways not winter-maintained?
This is a topic that I have addressed in greater detail here: Snow Clearing and Pathway Maintenance — Ward 21 (Rideau-Jock)
How should I report an issue?
There is no need to create a service request for routine snow clearing. Winter road maintenance staff are on the job and their efforts are currently needed out in the community; service requests should only be created for emergencies.
Once a winter weather event has passed, should you become aware of an issue on the City-maintained transportation network, submit a service request by calling 3-1-1 or online here.
It is important to note that during a storm when the snow is still falling, during a declared Significant Weather Event, or prior to the maintenance quality standards timelines being exceeded as per the graphic above, reports to 3-1-1 do not lead to quicker action. In particular, during a Significant Weather Event, all available resources will be deployed, and residents are asked to refrain from calling 3-1-1 or creating a service request for anything other than an emergency so that City staff can better address the most pressing issues.
If you are having trouble contacting or receiving assistance from the City, my office can assist with reporting issues identified by residents. My office is best reached by email at ward21@ottawa.ca.
Please note that roads and sidewalks are maintained to the quality standards that are outlined above; I do not have the power to direct plow drivers in their operations or routes.
Can I check whether a winter parking ban is in effect?
Information regarding winter parking bans, including whether such a ban is in effect, is available here: Winter parking | City of Ottawa
What is happening with buses and transit?
During major storms, OC Transpo may implement the Severe Storm Schedule for buses. The Severe Storm Schedule is implemented for buses on weekdays when 31 cm or more of snow is expected. The Severe Storm Schedule does not apply to O-Train service, which will run on a normal schedule.
You can learn more about the Sever Storm Schedule here : Severe Storm Schedule
Where can I get more information?
Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on updates from Environment Canada for up-to-date information on the storm as it progresses.
During a winter storm, please visit Ottawa.ca/winter for the most up-to-date information from the City.