Montrealers seeking real-time updates on snow-clearing operations in their neighbourhoods now face a new cost. The popular Info-Neige application is no longer free for users following the City of Montreal's decision to terminate its contract with the service provider.
The End of a Free Service
The change took effect after the city launched its own platform, 311 Montreal, to handle service requests and information. This move directly ended the municipal partnership that had previously subsidized public access to the Info-Neige app. For years, the app provided residents with a crucial window into the progress of snow removal on their streets, a vital service during the city's harsh winters.
Daniel J. Rowe first reported on this development on January 08, 2026. The shift means citizens who wish to continue using the familiar Info-Neige interface for tracking plows must now pay a subscription fee, the details of which are set by the app's private developer.
New Official Channels for Snow Updates
With the contract concluded, the city is directing residents to several alternative methods for monitoring winter operations. The primary official channel is the new 311 Montreal service platform, which consolidates various municipal requests and information portals.
City officials emphasize that 311 Montreal offers comprehensive tracking capabilities for snow-clearing, alongside many other city services. Residents can access it online or via telephone. This consolidation is part of a broader municipal strategy to streamline citizen communication, though it marks the end of an era for the once-free, specialized app.
Implications for Montreal Residents
The transition from a free, city-supported app to a user-paid model presents a practical change for thousands of households. The Info-Neige app had become a trusted tool for planning daily commutes, finding parking, and understanding when streets would be cleared after major snowfalls.
The key choice for residents now is between adopting the city's free 311 system or paying for the continued convenience of the standalone app. This situation highlights the evolving relationship between municipalities and third-party tech services, especially for essential seasonal infrastructure updates.
As Montreal continues to navigate its snowy winters, the accessibility of clearing information remains a top concern. The success of the 311 Montreal system in filling the void left by Info-Neige will be closely watched by citizens reliant on timely and accurate snow-removal data.
