Winter parking and snow clearing regulations

Winter weather is here to stay for the next few months. Below you will find important information about the city’s winter parking and snow clearing regulations for residents of Waterloo.

Winter parking
The City of Waterloo would like to remind residents, in the event of a significant snow fall, to please not park on the street. Under the city’s traffic and parking bylaw, parking is prohibited on all streets at any time a snow event is declared until it is cancelled. Snow events are declared when the city anticipates a significant amount of snow to accumulate. A typical snow event declaration will be announced earlier in the day of the event (typically before 5 p.m.) and effective 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. Residents are encouraged to subscribe to the city’s service alert news feed or follow the city on Twitter or Facebook to determine if a 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.

Please note: the city doesn’t allow on-street parking between 2:30 and 6 a.m., but may grant an exemption if a snow event hasn’t been declared. To register a car for overnight parking, call 519-747-8559 prior to 1:30 a.m. or register the vehicle at waterloo.ca/parking. To report cars that are illegally parked in Waterloo, register a complaint online at mypermits.waterloo.ca or call 519-747-8785.

Sidewalk clearing
In addition to keeping cars off the street during a snow event, the city is also asking 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 event. 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, two city bylaw officers are dedicated, full-time, to ensuring snow-clearing regulations are followed by residents. Staff respond to complaints as well as incorporating a measure of proactive monitoring. To report unshovelled sidewalks, residents in Waterloo can register a complaint online at mypermits.waterloo.ca or call 519-747-6280 to dispatch an officer.

More information
For more information about the city’s snow clearing priorities for roads and sidewalks and some tips for driving/parking when plows are active, visit waterloo.ca/snow. View our short video with Kevin, one of our snow plow operators to learn more about the plowing process and challenges.

Media contact:
Janice Works
Manager, Communications
519-747-8731
TTY: 1-866-786-3941
janice.works@waterloo.ca