With snow in the forecast, the City of London is monitoring conditions closely and is ready to deploy crews and equipment.
Whether you’re looking for snow clearing updates, confirming the status of on-street parking, or checking for updated hours of operation for community centres and recreation programs, visit london.ca/snow for the information you need.
Snow removal updates
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.
On london.ca/snow, Londoners can get the latest snow removal updates during a snow event once crews have been deployed.
Levels of service
The City maintains roadways in accordance with the Council-approved provincial Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways (MMS), Regulation 239/02. After the 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 and open community centres to service as warming centres for those who require refuge from the cold. Hours and locations of warming centres will be updated at london.ca/snow when a cold alert is issued.
London Cares, in partnership with Unity Project, Atlohsa Family Healing Services, The Salvation Army Centre of Hope, Ark Aid, Canadian Mental Health Association-Coffee House, Safe Space, and 519 Pursuit have launched their expanded and coordinated winter response for London’s housing deprived and marginalized population. Food, showers, laundry and other essential services as well as 24/7 drop in spaces are now open in various locations across the city.
If you see or know an individual in need, please contact London Cares at 519-667-2273.
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 to find the information 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 is icy and slippery conditions.
Reducing salt use on private property can also decrease negative impacts to our environment. Salt should not be used to melt snow piles rapidly. To reduce salt use, residents are reminded to consider shoveling snow from your property’s walkways and driveways before it becomes packed down, which can reduce ice from forming. Also remember to check your downspouts and control drainage on your property. Direct water towards gardens and grassed areas to prevent ice forming on paved areas.
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.
Our 24/7 response team is ready and monitoring road conditions. During a snow event, give yourself a little extra time if you have to travel, and check ahead of time to make sure your destination is open and accessible. Remember to slow down, be mindful of others, and show some #LdnKindness to your neighbours and other Londoners as we respond to the snow together.