09 Nov Winter Parking Ban Rules amended for 2020
Good afternoon,
Last week, while attending the Hunt Club Community Association and Riverside Park Community Association meetings, I mentioned that the winter parking ban rules will be amended this year.
I asked for and acquired the following (see below), which has been shared with all members of Council, to share with their communities.
Sincerely,
Riley Brockington
City Councillor, River Ward
What is a Winter Weather Parking Ban?
Last year, the City moved to a new parking ban system that was timed to match winter weather patterns rather than set times. Between November 15 and April 1, The Director of Roads and Parking Services may declare a winter weather parking ban for inclement weather including freezing rain or when Environment Canada forecasts 7 cm or more of snow in the Ottawa area. This includes any forecast for a range of snow more than 7 cm, including 5 to 10 cm. During a winter weather parking ban, vehicles without a residential parking permit that are parked on the street during a parking ban may be ticketed and towed.
When a winter weather parking ban is called, the City issues a special advisory to the local media and posts it on social media, sends an email to registered residents and updates the City’s App. The parking ban ends when snow clearing is completed and the City issues an advisory indicating the ban has been lifted.
Why Is a Winter Weather Parking Ban Called?
The winter weather parking ban will be called to support clearing operations. Residents are asked to remove their parked cars from the roadway to allow our snow clearing machines – including snowplows, salt trucks and graders to complete their work in the most efficient and effective way. When there are no cars on the road, our machines can clear snow closer to the curb. This opens up the road to keep it wider – even when snow accumulates. It can also help our Roads and Parking team remove the ice and snow that can build up on catch basins. When there are no cars on the road, the Roads and Parking team can clear the road more quickly and thoroughly.
How Will Residents Know There is a Winter Weather Parking Ban in Place?
Residents are responsible for moving their vehicle during a winter weather parking ban. Residents can sign up to receive an email notice about the parking ban at Ottawa.ca. Residents can also follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Ottawa.ca webpage for updates. Local media will also have information about the winter weather parking ban.
Where Can Residents Park During a Winter Weather Parking Ban?
Residents are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are removed from the roadway when a winter weather parking ban is in place. Residents may wish to approach a neighbour, local business or friend to see if they can park their car at their home or workplace during a ban.
The City also offers free parking at select municipal parking facilities and four specific OC Transpo Park and Ride Locations. A list of the available locations that can be accessed during a winter parking ban is available at Ottawa.ca.
This year, with many residents working and learning from home, finding parking during a winter weather parking ban could be challenging. To support residents throughout this pandemic, we are exploring additional parking options, including other City facilities and Park and Ride locations. Please consult the Ottawa.ca website for updates on free parking locations during a winter weather parking ban.