Waterloo and Kitchener extend parking ban as clean up continues after weekend winter storm

Waterloo and Kitchener have extended their significant weather event until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday.

City staff in Waterloo say it could take weeks to fully clean up the snow that fell on the city over the weekend.

The significant weather event means people are asked not to park on city streets. Bob Henderson, director of Waterloo's transportation services, said in a release that crews have been working around the clock to clear snow.

"With temperatures where they are, the snow isn't going anywhere unless we haul it away. Clearing and hauling snow is labour intensive, and if we get additional snow, we'll be forced to pause those operations to clear roads again," he said.

He said full snow clean-up could take up to two weeks or more.

A blowing snow advisory remained in effect for Waterloo region, Guelph and Wellington County.

"Gusty winds are producing significantly reduced visibility in blowing snow," the advisory from Environment Canada said. "Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility."

Winds will diminish Tuesday evening, the advisory said.

Schools closed in Guelph and Wellington

Schools were closed in Guelph and Wellington County Tuesday and parking bans remain in effect for parts of Waterloo region after a winter storm brought a large amount of snow to the area over the weekend.

The closure will also impact some daycares in Guelph and Wellington.

Schools in Waterloo region were open Tuesday. Buses to French Catholic schools in Waterloo region were not running. Buses to other schools in Waterloo region were experiencing delays.

Snow events in parts of Waterloo region have been extended, which means people should not park on city streets as plows clear snow.

Significant weather events extended

Kitchener reminded residents not to park on city streets until the snow event is over. 

"Overnight parking exemptions are also cancelled during this time to allow for snow clearing. Residents are asked to limit unnecessary travel and use extra caution when travelling or outdoors," Kitchener said in a release.

Cambridge says on its website that the significant weather event continues until further notice. It means vehicles should not be parked on city streets so crews can clear snow. People who do park on the street should be aware their vehicles could be ticketed and/or towed.

"Please be patient and check on neighbours who may need help. If you need to travel, use extra caution especially when pulling out of driveways and in intersections because of the large snow banks," the notice on the Cambridge website says. 

Cambridge reminded residents that they ask people to wait 36 hours after a weather event is over to report a problem area such as uncleared streets.

Guelph also declared a snow event and asked people to move their vehicles off the streets until further notice.