Ottawa Winter weather parking ban will be in effect 10 am on Friday, December 23 to 7 am on Saturday, December 24
OTTAWA, Dec. 22, 2022 – Environment and Climate Change Canada has identified hazardous weather for Thursday, December 22. ECCC says a Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Ottawa North – Kanata – Orléans, Ottawa South – Richmond – Metcalfe Thursday night into the holiday weekend.
Snow, heavy at times, is expected to begin this Thursday evening before changing to rain Friday morning. During this transition, there is a risk of freezing rain and ice pellets. Should freezing rain or ice pellets develop, snowfall amounts would be reduced. Temperatures are expected to plummet Friday afternoon leading to a potential flash freeze.
Rapidly falling temperatures will be accompanied by strong winds along with snow, heavy at times. Significantly reduced visibility will occur in blowing snow after the cold front moves through.
Ottawa residents should also be aware that as the temperature plummets Thursday night there may be a flash freeze producing extremely icy and slippery surfaces.
What is the timeline for the Ottawa winter storm?
Timing:
ECCC says Ottawa can expect “Snow beginning this evening, then transitioning to rain Friday morning. A risk of freezing rain will exist during the transition
Strong winds developing Friday afternoon and continuing into Saturday.
Flash freeze Friday afternoon.”
City of Ottawa declares Significant Weather Event
What is a significant weather event?
As a result, the City of Ottawa has declared a Significant Weather Event. The Roads and Parking Services team will be out maintaining the City’s sidewalks, roads and the winter cycling network, but it will take longer than usual to restore them to regular conditions.
Winter Weather Parking Ban – Ottawa
A winter weather parking ban will be in effect 10 am on Friday, December 23 to 7 am on Saturday, December 24.
During a winter weather parking ban, parking is prohibited on city streets so crews can plow easily and effectively. Vehicles parked on the street during a ban may be ticketed and towed. Though on-street monthly parking permit holders are exempt from this restriction when they are parked in residential parking permit zones, we encourage those who can, to find off-street parking options to avoid getting snowed-in.
Where to park in Ottawa during Winter Weather Parking Ban
During winter weather parking bans, residents will have access to select OC Transpo park and rides as well as certain recreation centres. Some City parking garages are available for parking during winter parking bans, however it is important that residents take note of what time they need to remove their car. Visit ottawa.ca/winterparking for more information about which City facilities are available during winter weather parking bans.
Temporary off-street parking options during the parking ban
To help accommodate vehicle owners who do not have access to off-street parking during the winter parking ban scheduled from 10 am on Friday, December 23 to 7 am on Saturday, December 24, Roads and Parking Services partnered with Parks Maintenance and Forestry Services, the Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services team as well as the Ottawa Public Library to provide temporary off-street parking options at City of Ottawa Recreation Facilities with parking lots and Ottawa Public Libraries.
The City of Ottawa advises residents to “Please be aware that given the forecast, surface of these lots may be icy and/or covered with snow.”
In addition:
- Anyone using these parking lots are encouraged to assess conditions on entry, to park in clear areas and to exercise cautions when walking.
- Please only park in parking lots that are clearly identified as serving City recreation facilities and Ottawa Public Libraries.
- Vehicles should be retrieved by 7 am Saturday, December 24.
For a complete list of parking lot locations, please visit biblioottawalibrary.ca(link is external) or Ottawa.ca.
City of Ottawa cautions residents tying to get around
Please exercise caution when using City sidewalks, roads and the winter cycling network. Travel during this time should be avoided and we are advising everyone to complete their errands before the event is scheduled to begin later this evening. Anyone who is required to travel during this event is asked to plan ahead and to give themselves extra travel time.
Be in the know about snow
- Subscribe to our electronic email alerts(link is external). If you subscribe to e-Alerts, you will receive notification each time a winter weather parking ban is put in place, extended or lifted. There is no charge for this service, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
- Follow us on Facebook(link is external) and Twitter(link is external) to receive updates
- Residents can also download the City of Ottawa app on their Android(link is external) or Apple(link is external) device to receive up-to-date information on winter parking bans and other City news.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook(link is external), Twitter(link is external) and Instagram(link is external).
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