NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
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As winter weather approaches, the City of Cambridge is ready to keep our community safe for whatever the season brings. Our teams are ready to break out the plows and hit the streets and sidewalks to make sure it’s safe to get around on foot or by vehicle.
We can't do it alone. Whether it's shovelling sidewalks, parking responsibly to allow plows to get through, or staying informed during weather events, small actions from residents help make a difference. Together, we can make this season safe for everyone. Here are ways you can help:
- Clear snow from your sidewalk within 36 hours of snowfall ending. Remember not to shovel snow onto the road!
- Set your garbage, recycling, and green bin away from the curb. These items should not be placed on the street or on top of snowbanks.
- Remove anything by the road that may interfere with plowing – this includes sporting items, decorative items, furniture etc.
- From Jan. 1 to March 15, an overnight winter parking restriction is in place. This means there is no on-street parking allowed between 2:30 to 6 a.m.
- Whenever possible, avoid parking on streets while City plows are out.
- Keep catch basins and storm drains clear of snow and debris to help prevent potential flooding during warmer weather.
- If you have a fire hydrant on your property, keep it clear and accessible so that emergency responders can easily get to it in case of fire.
When winter weather becomes a storm, the City may declare a Snow Event or a Significant Weather Event (SWE). Snow Events are declared when eight centimeters of snow is forecasted or has fallen. During a Snow Event there is no parking on city streets at any time. This makes sure our plows can clear roads safely and efficiently. Vehicles left on the road can be ticketed or towed.
A Significant Weather Event can be declared for a few reasons:
- More than 20 cm of snow accumulation expected in a 24-hour period.
- More than 20 mm of ice caused by freezing rain
- Sustained winds over 60 km/h causing reduced visibility.
During a SWE all available City resources are out working to clear roads and sidewalks, however the severity of the storm may not allow the work to be completed as quickly as usual. Plowing begins with major roads, followed by secondary roads and then residential roads. You can check plowing progress on our plow map, but during an SWE residents are advised to avoid all unnecessary travel.
Head to cambridge.ca/subscribe to sign up to be notified when a Snow Event or SWE is declared. For more information about the City’s winter maintenance plans, and your responsibilities as a resident visit cambridge.ca/snow.
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