Snow Route Parking Bans

Snow is cleared more quickly and effectively when parked vehicles are removed before snow crews arrive to plow streets. Snow route parking bans are declared for Priority 1 Snow Routes if there has been more than 4 inches of snowfall at once.

When a parking ban is declared:

• Parking is prohibited on priority one snow routes
• It will be at either 9:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m.
• Vehicle's must immediately be removed once declared
• They usually last no more than 48 hours, unless persistent snowfall requires a parking ban to be re-declared.
• Notices will be released to local media, posted on the City's website and sent to the snow route parking ban email list.

Lifting a Snow Route Parking Ban

If the Priority 1 Streets are cleared before 48 hours has passed and there is no threat of a continuing storm, the parking ban may be withdrawn. In such cases, a posting will be made on the City website, notifications will be send to the local media and an email sent to the parking ban email list.

You should not begin parking your car on the street until the ban has been lifted. This is important because during lengthy storms, the streets are ploughed more than once. Crews work their way down the priority list until worsening conditions cause them to return to the top of the list.

Preparing for a Parking Ban

Residents located on snow routes should begin the planning process early. Most homes in this category have rear-lane access. In the event of a parking ban, the resident should make plans to park at the back of their houses, on side streets or at the homes of nearby friends or neighbors.

If you live or work along a snow route, you can sign up to receive email notifications when a parking ban has been declared.

Fines and Towing

Cars that stay parked on the street after a Snow Route Parking Ban has been declared are considered in violation of the City's Traffic Bylaw and risk fines and towing. If your vehicle has been towed, please see more information about the City's Impound Lot.