Ottawa increased parking enforcement this week when a big winter storm led to strict rules for keeping city streets clear during snow removal. Many drivers discovered parking tickets on their windshields after they left their vehicles on streets during the winter weather parking ban.
Ottawa Activates Citywide Winter Parking Restrictions During Snow Events
The City of Ottawa put a winter weather parking ban in place from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday. The ban was created to help with snow plowing & clearing work after heavy snow fell across the national capital region. Bylaw Services said the temporary ban was needed so plows could move around easily and make roads safer for residents during the storm.
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Thousands of Drivers Penalized as Overnight Parking Rules Enforced
Bylaw Services told CTV News Ottawa that officers handed out 4179 parking tickets to vehicles that broke the 12-hour winter parking ban. Roger Chapman is the Director of Bylaw and Regulatory Services. He said the ticket count matches what the city normally sees during similar winter events. Chapman explained that the number of tickets issued last night is consistent with previous years. He also mentioned that ticket totals can change throughout the season. This depends on factors like how long the ban lasts and whether it happens overnight or during the day.
Breakdown of Parking Fines, Penalties, and Early Settlement Options
Drivers ticketed for violating the winter weather parking ban face a $125 fine. However, the city offers an early payment option that reduces the amount to $105 if paid promptly.
These penalties are intended to encourage compliance and ensure streets remain accessible for essential winter maintenance.
Conditions That Allow Ottawa to Declare a Snow Parking Ban
The City of Ottawa can issue a winter weather parking ban when forecasters predict seven centimetres or more of snow. When a ban is in effect only vehicles with valid on-street parking permits can stay parked on city streets. All other vehicles may be ticketed or towed even if snowplows have already cleared the street. Chapman explained that streets often need a second round of plowing after the first pass. Drivers must follow the ban until the city officially cancels it. After the ban ends drivers can park on the street again in areas where parking is normally permitted.
Winter 2024–2025 Parking Enforcement Revenue and Ticket Statistics
The recent storm contributes to an increasing enforcement count this season. Throughout the 2024–25 winter period Bylaw Services has written 16053 parking tickets during three different winter weather parking bans. City officials keep reminding residents to watch parking alerts carefully during winter storms so they can avoid fines & help keep streets safe and clear.
