Winter parking and snow clearing regulations (1)

Winter weather is here, and the City of Waterloo would like to remind everyone about winter parking and snow clearing regulations in Waterloo.

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 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.

Overnight street parking is not permitted at any time in the City of Waterloo between 2:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. Vehicles parked in a legal spot are eligible for 15 exemptions per year with registration, if a snow event hasn’t been declared. When a snow event is declared, all overnight street parking exemptions are cancelled. Register vehicles for overnight parking before 1:30 a.m. at waterloo.ca/parking. To report cars that are illegally parked in Waterloo, register a complaint online anytime at mypermits.waterloo.ca. Parking complaints can also be reported by calling 519-747-8785 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Starting January 3, 2023, parking concerns can be reported by phone at any time, on any day. 

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. 

More information
For more information about the city’s snow clearing priorities for roads and sidewalks and some tips for driving and 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.

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Media contact:

Cari Van Niekerk
Manager, Corporate Communications
cari.vanniekerk@waterloo.ca