Service timeline
See when your road starts
Compare exact snowfall triggers and completion windows for roads, sidewalks, and cycling routes.
Open Ottawa plowing standardsOttawa, ON winter guide
Ottawa snow plow and parking guide.
Ottawa begins with Highway 174, the Transitway, major roads, and arterials. Residential roads begin at seven centimetres and may take 10 to 16 hours after snow stops, unless a Significant Weather Event pauses normal timelines.
Reviewed September 1, 2026City of Ottawa Public Works
RESIDENTIAL TRIGGER7 cm
RESIDENTIAL TARGET10 to 16 hours
PARKING-BAN SEASONNov. 15 to Apr. 1
Start with the official answer
Three useful ways to check Ottawa
These links go directly to the city tools residents need during a storm.
Parking alert
Check the active ban
Read the current daytime or overnight restriction and available off-street options.
Open Ottawa winter parkingCity contact
Use Ottawa 311
Ask about an eligible missed route, temporary sign, tow, or snowbank issue after the service window.
Open Ottawa 311How the response unfolds
What happens before your street is finished
Ottawa follows a local sequence. Knowing the phase explains why one road can be clear while another is still waiting.
- 1At accumulation
Highway 174, Transitway, and arterials
These routes begin first and may take two to four hours after snow ends.
- 2At 2.5 to 5 cm
Downtown sidewalks, cycling, and collectors
Downtown sidewalks and winter cycling begin at 2.5 centimetres; secondary roads and residential sidewalks begin at five centimetres.
- 3At 7 cm
Residential roads and lanes
Residential roads and lanes begin at seven centimetres and may take 10 to 16 hours after snowfall ends.
Before leaving the car
Ottawa parking rules that matter
- A ban may be called when at least seven centimetres is forecast or during other severe winter conditions.
- Overnight bans normally run from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.; daytime bans normally run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Temporary snow-removal signs apply to all vehicles, including residential permit holders.
Resident checklist
What to do during the storm
- 1
Check for a current Winter Weather Parking Ban and the city's alert time.
- 2
Match the location to the correct road or sidewalk class.
- 3
Keep private snow off the road, sidewalk, and park, and clear access to hydrants and drains.
- 4
During a Significant Weather Event, reserve 311 requests for emergencies until the city says otherwise.
Service boundaries
Who clears what in Ottawa
The city plow department is not responsible for every road, sidewalk, driveway, alley, or parking area.
Ottawa Public Works
Maintains city roads, sidewalks, pathways, and the winter cycling network by published priority and accumulation.
Other road owners
Provincial highways, private lanes, parking areas, and private property have separate owners and standards.
Residents and property owners
Clear private driveways and windrows, keep private snow off the right of way, and obey active parking restrictions.
If the street looks missed
The clock starts after snowfall ends
Normal service windows begin after the last snowflake. A Significant Weather Event can pause those timelines while crews continue working.
- 1Identify the road or sidewalk class.
- 2Wait for its published completion window.
- 3Contact Ottawa 311 with the exact location if the route still qualifies.
Local questions answered
Ottawa snow plow FAQ
Short answers for the questions residents usually have during an active storm.
When does Ottawa plow residential roads?
At seven centimetres or more. The published completion window is 10 to 16 hours after snow ends under normal conditions.
What changes during a Significant Weather Event?
Crews continue working, but normal completion timelines are paused and residents may be asked to reserve 311 for emergencies.
Are parking permit holders exempt?
Some permit holders have limited exemptions from a weather ban, but no permit exempts a vehicle from temporary snow-removal signs.
Verify the answer
Official Ottawa sources
Storm conditions and emergency rules change. These are the public-agency pages used for this guide.
More official guides