The City of Ottawa has announced that its crews will begin a major snow removal operation across residential areas starting this Sunday, January 18, 2026. The initiative aims to clear the significant accumulation from recent winter storms and improve mobility for residents.
Operation Details and Timeline
The city-wide plowing is scheduled to commence on Sunday. Residents are advised to pay close attention to posted signage to avoid parking tickets or towing. Red no-parking signs will be erected in areas where plows are scheduled to work. It is critical for vehicle owners to comply with these temporary restrictions to allow crews to clear the streets effectively and efficiently.
Parking Restrictions and Fines
When the red no-parking signs are posted, parking is prohibited on that side of the street. Vehicles left in violation will be ticketed and may be towed to a nearby street that has already been cleared. The city emphasizes that this measure is necessary to ensure the snow removal equipment can access the full width of the road, including clearing around parked cars which often leaves large snowbanks and reduces road safety.
Residents are encouraged to use off-street parking, such as driveways or available parking lots, whenever possible during the operation. The city typically provides several hours' notice before enforcement begins in a specific zone, but timelines can shift based on equipment progress and weather conditions.
Citywide Winter Maintenance Strategy
This residential plowing operation is part of Ottawa's standard winter maintenance protocol, which prioritizes major roads and transit routes first before moving into neighbourhood streets. The decision to trigger a city-wide residential blitz is based on snowfall accumulation totals and forecasted weather.
The operation on January 18 follows a period of substantial winter weather in the region. Clearing residential streets is vital for ensuring access for emergency vehicles, public transit, and daily commutes. Residents can check the City of Ottawa's website or official social media channels for real-time updates on which neighbourhoods are being cleared and when enforcement is active in their area.
With winter firmly settled in the capital, timely and thorough snow removal remains a top municipal priority for maintaining safety and accessibility for all Ottawa citizens.
