Toronto sets plans in advance of heavy snowfall expected to begin Wednesday afternoon
By MATTHEW STEPHENS
The City of Toronto has declared a Major Snowstorm Condition and Significant Weather Event in advance of a heavy snowfall expected to begin on the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 12, and continue overnight.
Snow buildup on city streets is expected to reach up to 25 centimetres. The offficial declarations will come in effect at 10 p.m. tonight.
An additional five to 10 centimetres of snow is expected to fall in Toronto on both Saturday, Feb. 15, and Sunday, Feb. 16, which will result in a total snowfall accumulation of 35 centimetres from both weather events.
Weather conditions such as these are often managed within the existing road allowance through the city’s normal snow clearing operations. However, the City of Toronto has the authority to call a Major Snowstorm Condition when snow accumulation exceeds the capacity of the road allowance.
Parking on roads designated as snow routes in Toronto will be prohibited while Major Snowstorm Condition declarations are in effect in order to allow winter maintenance equipment to effectively clear and remove windrows left following snow clearing operations. This helps to ensure smooth traffic flow, minimize pedestrian interference, maintain clear sightlines, and allow emergency service vehicles to respond to emergencies efficiently, said the city.
During Toronto’s major snowstorm declaration, vehicles parked on designated snow routes will be towed at the owner’s expense. In addition, parking on designated snow routes is subject to a fine of up to $200. To locate or recover a towed vehicle, contact Toronto Police Service at 416-808-2222.
A list and map detailing designated snow routes across the city is available on the City’s website.
The City of Toronto website said they have a “comprehensive plan that prioritizes the safety and movement of residents,” during snow removal operations. For more information on the City’s snow response plan, head to toronto.ca/snow.
During a ignificant weather event, it may take longer than expected to clear city roads, sidewalks and bicycle lanes. In these situations, the city declares a Significant Weather Event, in which they will be exempt from provincial service levels for winter maintenance. The city will remove snow to designated sites as needed. Snow removal operations are expected to commence as soon as the planned plowing operations conclude.
Major Snowstorm Condition and Significant Weather Event declarations from the city will be cancelled as soon as roadways are cleared and deemed safe.
Toronto will also be activating its Emergency Operations Centre on Feb. 12 to organize resources across city divisions, agencies, corporations, and partners to prepare and respond to the snowstorm efficiently.
During the snowstorm, residents are advised to leave their vehicles at home and opt for public transit to commute. More information on how public transit will be operating during the snowstorm is available on on the TTC and GO Transit websites.
While snow clearing operations are taking place, some 311 service requests for salting or snow clean-up will be temporarily unavailable. Residents can also expect regularly implemented snow removal services to be delayed, said the city’s news release.
Drivers are being warned to expect traffic delays, slippery conditions, and low visibility. The City of Toronto is urging drivers to remain a safe distance from snow removal equipment and crews to ensure they can do their work safely and efficiently.
