Ottawa has activated a daytime winter weather parking ban for Sunday, January 11, to help crews clear snow and keep streets moving. The restriction runs from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and may be extended if winter road operations take longer than expected.
What the ban means for drivers
During the ban window, you cannot park on Ottawa city streets. The city’s winter parking rules are designed to give plows and sidewalk crews enough room to work efficiently—especially in tight residential areas where one parked car can slow down an entire route.
- Ban time: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Sunday, Jan. 11)
- Enforcement: Vehicles left on-street may be ticketed and/or towed
- Possible extension: The city may extend the hours if crews need more time to finish clearing
For the official city notice and winter ban rules (including how daytime bans are called), visit Ottawa’s Winter Weather Parking Bans page.
Where to park during the ban
Ottawa offers designated winter parking at select park and ride lots, plus limited spaces at certain community centres and arenas. If you’re leaving your car for several hours, these lots are the easiest “set it and forget it” option while the ban is active.
Park and ride winter parking locations named by the city include:
- Riverview
- Innovation
- Chapel Hill
- Nepean Woods
- Greenboro
- Leitrim
- Eagleson
Before you go, check the city’s updated list (and lot-specific notes) here: Where to park during a Winter Weather Parking Ban.
Yes, some commercial streets still allow parking
To support local businesses, Ottawa typically keeps limited parking available on certain commercial main streets even during ban periods. Today, drivers are still expected to follow posted signage closely, because allowances can change block by block.
The city notes that parts of Bank Street, Elgin Street, and Wellington Street may still be available for parking while winter operations continue. If you’re headed to a shop, restaurant, or pickup spot, plan for extra time and double-check the signs before leaving your vehicle.
Ottawa weather today: why the city called the ban
Ottawa’s daytime ban comes as wintry conditions remain unsettled. Environment Canada’s forecast for Sunday calls for cloudy skies with flurries (at times heavy) and wind gusts up to 50 km/h, which can reduce visibility and quickly re-cover streets after plows pass.
You can follow the latest Ottawa forecast and any updates here: Environment Canada — Ottawa 7-day forecast.
Quick tip: If you’re unsure whether your street is affected, assume the ban applies and move your car off-street or to a designated lot. A single parked vehicle can force plows to “pinch” snow into narrower lanes, leaving ruts and icy pinch points for buses, emergency vehicles, and cyclists.
What happens if you don’t move your car?
The city warns that vehicles left parked on the street during a winter weather restriction can be towed and drivers can be fined. Beyond the cost, towing also creates delays—both for the owner and for snow crews who may need to return to the same street later.
If you think your car may have been relocated or towed during winter operations, Ottawa maintains guidance on what to do and who to contact via its parking resources page: Ottawa Parking (including winter parking help).
Bottom line
Ottawa’s daytime winter parking ban is in effect until 7 p.m. today. If you normally park on the street, move your vehicle now to a designated winter lot, private driveway, or legal off-street option—and keep an eye out for updates in case the restriction is extended.
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