Waterloo issues reminder about winter parking, snow clearing

NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF WATERLOO
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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 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 or call 519-747-8785 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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, register a complaint online anytime at mypermits.waterloo.ca or by calling 519-747-8785 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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.

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