Snow plowing and clearing
Snow clearing is done using a road-priority system, with high-use, emergency and transit routes cleared first.
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At the start of accumulation:
- Highway 174, the Transitway, major roads and arterials.
- After the last snowflake has fallen, these routes may take 2 to 4 hours to complete.
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2.5 centimetres accumulation:
- Sidewalks in the downtown core and the winter cycling network
- After the last snowflake has fallen, these routes may take up to 4 hours to complete
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5 centimetres accumulation:
- Secondary roads and minor collectors such as Wall Road, Dovercourt Avenue, Donald Street, Springbrook Drive, etc.
- After the last snowflake has fallen, these routes may take up to 6 hours to complete
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5 centimetres accumulation:
- Residential sidewalks
- After the last snowflake has fallen, these routes may take 12 to 16 hours to complete
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7 or more centimetres of accumulation
- Residential roads and lanes such as Billings Bridge, Waverley Street, Smith Road, etc.
- After the last snowflake has fallen, these routes may take 10 to 16 hours to complete.
Timelines are suspended if a Significant Weather Event is declared as operations will be carried out based on the capacity of resources in as continuous a manner as practicable.
Report an issue with snow or ice
You can report issues with snow and ice by calling 3-1-1, emailing [email protected] or visiting www.ottawa.ca/en/3-1-1
Winter parking bans
You can get the most up-to-date info on winter parking bans online here.
Property damage by a city vehicle
While performing City maintenance operations, City equipment may sometimes damage lawns and/or roadside mailboxes.
If your lawn was damaged during winter road maintenance operations, you may report the situation to the City at anytime. The City will investigate these reports in early Spring, once the snow and ice has melted. Areas determined by the City to have been damaged by city vehicles will subsequently be scheduled for repair using topsoil and seed.
If your mailbox was damaged during City maintenance operations, the City will investigate and respond.
You can make reports online here.
Cold weather resources from Ottawa Public Health: Who to call for help and information
