City facilities closed early Jan. 25 due to weather; parking ban coming into effect as of 6 p.m.

As snow continues to accumulate due to the winter storm on Sunday, Jan. 25, the City has closed its facilities and programming for the remainder of the day, and has announced a winter parking ban will come into effect as of 6 p.m. tonight.

The following City programs and facilities are impacted, and all recreation programs, as well as private bookings and rentals for today have been cancelled as of 1 p.m.

• St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre
• St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre
• Dunlop Drive Older Adult Centre
• Russell Avenue Community Centre
• Port Weller Community Centre

• Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre
• Bill Burgoyne Arena
• Merritton Arena

Winter parking ban set to come into effect

Due to the current and forecasted weather, City officials declared a significant weather event as of 10:30 a.m. today. The City also has announced it will implement a winter parking ban as of 6 p.m. The restrictions prohibit on-street parking in most neighbourhoods during winter storm events, ensuring roads are clear for plows, emergency vehicles, and public transit. While local weather and road conditions determine how long the restrictions remain in place, residents should plan to keep their vehicles off the street for at least 72 hours.

Residents must move their vehicles off the street to avoid fines and towing. Those who fail to comply may be subject to a $40 ticket and towing at their expense. Some areas in the city are exempt due to limited off-street parking, including sections of downtown, Merritton and Port Dalhousie. Residents can view the winter parking exemption map at www.stcatharines.ca/winterparking.

Residents needing alternative parking can look for an exemption area, use one of the City’s parking garages or ask a neighbour or family member if they can park in their driveway.

Winter operations update

City crews have been working their way through the main / primary roads since early this morning in response to the snow. The City remains under an orange snowfall warning from Environment Canada, with the potential for 20-35 cm of snow expected through this evening and possibly into Monday morning.

Residents are asked for patience as heavy and blowing snow at times will continue to be a challenge for crews as they work through their priorities and address the mains before heading into secondary and residential areas. Updates on their efforts will be shared as they continue their operations.

We ask residents to avoid travel, if possible, and to use extreme caution if they have to be out on the roads or sidewalks.

For quick links to information on the City’s winter control operations, including our plow tracker, details on our snow removal process (including road classifications and thresholds), winter parking information and more visit www.stcatharines.ca/wintercontrol.