Whether you’re looking for snow clearing updates, confirming the status of on-street parking, or checking for updated hours for community centres and recreation programs, london.ca/snow is home to the information you need.
“With snow in the forecast, our 24/7 response team is monitoring road conditions and ready to deploy crews and equipment,” says Joel Gillard, Division Manager, Road Operations. “During the winter weather, its important to slow down, give yourself extra time to travel, and check ahead of time if your destination is open. Londoners can get the latest snow clearing updates at london.ca/snow.”
Levels of service
The City of London maintains more than 3,700 kms of roadway, 1,600 kms of sidewalk, 720 cul-de-sacs, and 2,100 bus stops, as well as bridges and pedestrian crossovers in the winter.
The City maintains roadways in accordance with the Council adopted provincial Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways (MMS), Regulation 239/02. After a significant snow fall ends, Londoners can expect all City streets, including adjacent bike lanes, to be cleared within 24 hours, sidewalks to be cleared within 48 hours and bus stops to be cleared within 72 hours after the sidewalks are cleared.
Park pathways
The Thames Valley Parkway and some park pathways throughout the city are cleared to a recreational trail standard after an accumulation of 5 cm of snow, 48 hours after the snow fall ends. Similar to sidewalks, park pathways are left in a snowpack condition. Pedestrians and cyclists using these paths should check the weather forecast before using them to anticipate potential snowfall and changes in path conditions.
Warming centres
Each winter, London experiences periods of extreme cold. The Middlesex-London Health Unit issues cold alerts when any of the following conditions are met:
- Predicted low temperature of –15° C without wind chill.
- The wind chill reaches the level at which Environment Canada issues a warning for outdoor activity for people in the Middlesex-London area.
- Extreme weather conditions, such as a blizzard or ice storm.
When a cold alert is issued, the City of London will initiate our extreme temperature protocol. Community centres are available for those who require refuge from the cold, and hours and locations of open facilities will be updated at london.ca/snow when a cold alert is issued.
Community centres and programming
During heavy snow events, City of London community centres, arenas, aquatic facilities, and other program locations may remain open, delay opening, or close early depending on weather conditions. Updated hours of operation and programming changes will be shared at london.ca/snow and Londoners can check the status online before leaving home.
Snow season parking
Overnight parking is restricted on City streets from November 1 to April 30. Free Overnight Parking Passes are available, and a maximum of 15 will be issued per vehicle licence plate during this time.
When there is enough snow on the ground to send out City plows, an overnight parking ban is implemented. While the ban is in effect, vehicles are not allowed to park on City streets. If you pre-registered for an Overnight Parking Pass, the City’s Parking Services will contact you by phone or email to let you know that the ban is in place and that you cannot park your vehicle on City streets. A message will also be posted on london.ca/snow letting residents know that the ban is in place. Parking Services will update registrants when they are allowed to park again.
Salt use
Salt use is kept to a minimum by City operations. Crews salt only main roads and bus routes and core pedestrian areas to prevent snow and ice from sticking to the road.
The City uses sand for local streets at intersections, curves and hills to provide traction for vehicles. Typically, crews don’t sand the entire road. Spot sanding is also used for sidewalks when there are icy and slippery conditions.
Stormwater management ponds
Stormwater management ponds gather and temporarily hold the water from rainfall and snow melt. They help prevent erosion, control flooding, and improve water quality in nearby rivers and creeks.
With unpredictable ice thickness and a continuous flow of water, residents should be cautious and stay off stormwater ponds. Stormwater management ponds are unsafe for winter recreation like skating and tobogganing, and while they are safe to visit and walk around, it is important to stay off the ice.
Report unplowed or slippery conditions
Residents can report slippery conditions, park pathway obstructions and other issues this winter through the City’s online Service London portal.
With London expecting its first snowfall of the winter, residents are reminded to give yourself extra time when traveling, be mindful of others, and show some #LdnKindness to your neighbours as we respond to the snow together.