City of Waterloo launches ‘Getting Around’ map for winter weather
When the City of Waterloo declares a significant weather or snow event, residents can now use the Getting Around map to see which roads have been recently serviced.
The Getting Around map helps you find the best route following a snow storm. “It’s easy to use, just find a location on the map, and it will show you if the road has been cleared,” says Bob Henderson, Director, Transportation Services. “We begin clearing roads when snow or ice starts to accumulate. It takes six to 24 hours to complete all plow routes after snow or ice has stopped falling.”
Residents wondering when their road will be cleared after a snow event can check plowing updates in their neighbourhood using the map. It also includes information about the City’s priority plowing approach. Major roads and public transit routes take priority followed by large then small residential streets.
The Getting Around map will be available on the City’s website throughout a snow event until officially declared over. Waterloo shares maintenance with the City of Kitchener on border roads.
Residents can visit www.waterloo.ca/snow for information about plowing, trail and lane clearing, parking bans, sidewalk clearing, and what you can do to stay safe.
Winter Parking
Parking on the street creates a challenge for snow removal throughout the winter months, day or night. When a snow event is declared by the city, parking is prohibited on all streets at any time, until the snow event is cancelled. Snow events are declared when the city expects a significant amount of snow to accumulate. A snow event declaration will usually be announced earlier in the day of the event (typically before 5 p.m.) and is then in effect from 11:59 p.m. of that day for a full 24 hours, or until the snow event has been cancelled. Residents must remove cars from streets by midnight or risk being ticketed and towed. A ticket for parking on the street during a snow event is $80.
During a snow event, the parking ban is in effect for a full 24 hours, and not just overnight. Residents are encouraged to subscribe to the City’s service alert news feed or follow the city on Twitter (X) or Facebook to know when a snow event and parking ban has been declared. If individuals suspect their car has been towed through this program, they should call the Waterloo Regional Police dispatch number at 519-570-9777 to find out where their car is located.
Sidewalk Clearing
In addition to keeping cars off the street during a snow event, the city also requires residents to clear snow and ice from sidewalks at the front and side of homes and businesses within 24 hours after the end of a snow fall. Although it’s the law, it’s also the neighbourly thing to do. Snow or ice-covered sidewalks can be treacherous for all residents, especially those who already have mobility restrictions.
During the winter months, several city bylaw officers are dedicated full-time to ensuring snow-clearing regulations are followed by residents. Staff respond to complaints, and proactively monitor sidewalks for compliance. To report unshovelled sidewalks 24 hours after the end of a snow fall, register a complaint online at mypermits.waterloo.ca. Uncleared sidewalks can also be reported Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by calling 519-747-8785.
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Media contact:
Stacey Abbott
Manager, Corporate Communications