Winter Operations Update - Tuesday, December 3- Afternoon

The following is information that was sent by the Director of Roads and Parking Services at the City to Members of Council regarding forecasted inclement weather conditions over the next 48 hours.

This information was provided to my office at 2:36pm ET on Dec. 3rd and was updated at 10:30am ET on Dec. 4th.

Please exercise caution, particularly when travelling, as weather conditions can change suddenly. 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.

Read to the bottom of this page to see frequently asked questions and links to more information.

Good afternoon,

Snow is on the way, and it might just be Wicked. The question is, will Mother Nature channel Glinda the Good Witch or the Wicked Witch of the West as she follows the yellow brick road to the Blizzard of Ottawa. One thing is for sure, the Roads and Parking Services team is ready to tackle the storm ahead.

Forecast and conditions

Periods of snow are expected to begin tomorrow morning, and will continue through the afternoon, evening and overnight. Snow will be heavy, and visibility may be reduced at times with accumulations near 10 centimetres before tapering off Thursday morning. Given the duration and timing of this winter event, and accumulation amounts remain variable, we have decided not to call a Winter Weather Parking Ban.

This is the first snow event of the season, and residents are reminded to exercise caution while using all of our transportation networks.

Resident Support is Required

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.
There is no need to create a service request for routine snow clearing. We are on the job and our efforts are currently needed out in the community; service requests should only be created for emergencies.

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.
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.

FAQs and More Information

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

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.