Winter Parking – November 15 to April 1

Clearing the way for you

During the winter months, the City's snow-clearing teams are working to keep your roads safe and clear for motorists, public transit, pedestrians and cyclists.

Sign Up for Winter Parking e-Alerts

Be in the know about snow.
Sign up for Winter Parking e-Alerts to receive e-mail notification of overnight parking bans.

Follow the City of Ottawa Winter Parking Alerts on Twitter.

You can also find out if a winter overnight parking restriction is currently in effect by:

1. Going to the City's online newsroom for special advisories about on-street parking restrictions.

2. Calling 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401)

Winter overnight parking regulations

Winter overnight parking regulations are in effect throughout the city from November 15 to April 1, permitting the City to clear the way for you. This means that you cannot park on City streets between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. when a snow accumulation of 7 cm or more is forecast by Environment Canada in the Ottawa area. This includes any forecast for a range of snow of more than 7 cm, for example 5 to 10 cm. Vehicles that remain parked on the street during an overnight parking restriction will be ticketed. On-street parking permit holders are exempt from this restriction.

When Environment Canada forecasts a snow accumulation of 7 cm or more, the City automatically initiates an enforcement of winter overnight parking restrictions. To inform residents and motorists, a special advisory is issued to the local media announcing that an overnight parking restriction is in effect. All special advisories are posted online in the City's newsroom. Enforcement of winter overnight parking restrictions will continue each evening until snow clearing is completed and the City issues a special advisory indicating that the overnight parking restriction has been lifted.

 

How can you find out if an overnight parking restriction is in effect?

  • Sign up to receive e-mail or Twitter notifications of overnight parking restrictions. The service is free and you can unsubscribe anytime.
  • Go to the City's online newsroom for special advisories about on-street parking restrictions.
  • Call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401).
  • Tune in to local media for announcements about overnight parking restrictions.
  • Check to see if a snowfall of 7 cm or more is forecast for Ottawa by visiting Environment Canada online or by calling 613-998-3439.

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Planned snow removal parking restrictions

Throughout the winter, snow removal may be planned during the day or night even when no snowfall is forecast. When crews plan to remove snow, they will post temporary "no parking" snow removal signs ahead of time alerting motorists when snow removal is planned and when parking is not permitted. Do not park where you see temporary "no parking" snow removal signs posted or your vehicle will be ticketed and towed to a nearby street. This restriction applies to all vehicles, including those with on-street parking permits.

  
Temporary “No Parking” Snow Removal Signs
 

   
Daytime
Nighttime

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If you have been ticketed and towed, how to find your car

Towed vehicles are usually moved a few blocks to a nearby street where snow removal has already taken place.

If you are unable to find your vehicle on your own, call the Ottawa Police Service at:
      613-230-6211 (TTY: 613-232-1123).

All towed vehicles are logged and Ottawa Police Services will be able to tell you the location of your vehicle.

  

Street Parking Tip

Keep in mind parking is prohibited in excess of three hours between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., seven days a week unless otherwise posted.

Review Ottawa's Traffic and Parking By-Law No. 2003-530 for detailed information on On-Street Parking restrictions, and other regulations to be in the know to avoid the ticket and tow.

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On-street parking permit holders and winter

If you have an on-street parking permit, your vehicle is exempt from winter overnight parking restrictions that go into effect due to a weather forecast of 7 cm or more snow.

During planned overnight snow removal, temporary "no parking" snow removal signs will be posted along streets to be cleared. This parking restriction applies to all vehicles, including vehicles with on-street parking permits. If you park your vehicle overnight on a street with temporary "no parking" snow removal signs, your vehicle will be ticketed and towed.

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For more information about winter overnight parking restrictions and planned snow removal,
call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401).
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