Winnipeg, MB - Following three back-to-back snow storms in the last month, City crews are continuing day and night with an extensive clean-up operation to improve the overall condition of streets, sidewalks, active transportation trails and back lanes.
Heavy accumulation of snow and high winds resulted in the need for continuous plowing and sanding with over 400 pieces of heavy equipment in order to keep the city moving. Winnipeggers’ patience is appreciated while a variety of snow clearing activities continue in the days ahead. Citizens are also reminded to use caution around snow clearing equipment and to slow down and drive to winter road conditions.
Snow clearing operations update
A major plowing operation with motor graders and front-end loaders was conducted last night on the priority 1 and priority 2 street network and will be continuing today and tonight to improve the overall condition of the roadway by removing ruts that have formed on city streets due to high winds and frigid temperatures.
Plowing crews have been clearing sidewalks and active transportation trails continuously since the first storm in December which has resulted in the need to clear priority 1 and priority 2 sidewalks multiple times. Today, 30 pieces of sidewalk clearing equipment are being used to open up sidewalks and trails throughout the city, and this operation will continue until all sidewalks in the city are completed.
Clearing of back lanes started this morning at 7:00 a.m. and will continue daily until completed city-wide. The order back lanes are cleared is based on the garbage and recycling collection schedule.
A major snow removal operation has been underway day and night for the last month in all parts of the city to create additional snow storage capacity on boulevards in preparation for future potential snow storms. This operation involves the use of large industrial snow blowers mounted on front-end loaders that fill semi-trailers that haul the snow to the city’s snow disposal sites.
Front-end loaders are also being used across the city to remove and relocate high snow piles at intersections to improve sightlines for motorists. Crews are continuing to clear snow from trouble spots and outlying areas that are prone to drifting.
Declared Snow Route Parking Ban remains in effect
In order to facilitate this major clearing operation on main routes, bus routes and collector streets, a Declared Snow Route Parking Ban remains in effect tonight from midnight until 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.
The Declared Snow Route Parking Ban extends the Annual Snow Route Parking Ban by two hours, prohibiting parking on any designated snow route between midnight and 7:00 a.m.
Vehicles parked in violation of the Declared Snow Route Parking Ban may receive a $100 ticket ($50 if paid early), and may be towed to the towing company’s compound. The Declared Snow Route Parking Ban will be in place until snow clearing is completed and the public will be notified when the ban is lifted. At such time, the Annual Snow Route Parking Ban will continue to be in effect from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Snow routes are clearly marked with signs like these:
Citizens are encouraged to check their streets for snow route signs, or if unsure, to call 311 or use the online Address Lookup Tool.
To find out if a Declared Snow Route Parking Ban is in place, check knowyourzone.winnipeg.ca or contact 311, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone at 311, or by email at 311@winnipeg.ca.
More information about parking bans is available at knowyourzone.winnipeg.ca
Download the official City of Winnipeg Know Your Zone mobile app
The City of Winnipeg's "Know Your Zone" app is now available for free download at the Apple App Store and Google Play App Store. For more information about the app, please visit knowyourzone.winnipeg.ca/app
Sign-up for winter parking ban notifications
The City also offers free email and Twitter notifications which advise subscribers when additional parking bans go into effect. To sign up for notifications visit knowyourzone.winnipeg.ca or contact 311, open 24 hours every day, by phone at 311 or by email at 311@winnipeg.ca.