Kitchener is preparing for winter weather ahead

Kitchener crews are ready for any major snow fall that hits the ground. They’ve switched to 24 hour a day coverage and monitor for any changes to weather that could impact roadways or sidewalks.

City of Kitchener’s Director of Operations Roads & Traffic, Roslyn Lusk, said they have 19 salters out on the road daily.

“Their ready to go all their routes are patrolled and their ready to be employed when we have weather,” said Lusk.

“Your city crews are already out and about. We’re monitoring our weather forecasts at least 3 times a day, making sure we know what is happening on the roads there.”

Any time 8 or more centimetres of snow hits the ground, the city declares it a snow event. This means the city’s tag and tow process starts, which bans parking on city streets during the snow event so plows can clear the roads.

Snow events are listed on the City of Kitchener website and through their social media platforms.

Overnight parking is not permitted from December 1 to March 31, 2024, so city plows can easily clear streets after a snowfall. This lasts from 2:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. unless a snow event has been declared. Then the parking ban goes into the day.  

“Remember to use caution when heading out to travel by whatever means you decide to travel by; by car, road, on your bikes or sidewalks, reduce your speeds and drive respectful to the conditions that are out there,” said Lusk. “Ensure you have the right winter tires installed and the right footwear.”

The city is responsible for clearing snow and ice from city-owned roads and sidewalks around facilities, walkways and parks. Property owners are responsible for clearing snow from their sidewalks, within 24 hours of the end of a snowfall.

More information can be found here.