Send in the plows: Winnipeg's residential parking ban starts as streets get cleared

The time has come to clear residential neighbourhoods of ice and snow, the City of Winnipeg says.

Approximately 300 pieces of heavy equipment are being sent into the city's neighbourhoods after the biggest snowfall of the season so far swept through on Thursday, leaving as much as 20 centimetres of snow in some areas.

The highest-priority streets in the city — major thoroughfares and transit routes — were tackled first, and the city is now turning to residential roads and back lanes, a Friday new release said.

A residential parking ban will be in effect from Sunday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. until Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 7 a.m.

On Thursday, following heavy snowfall, the city put a temporary extended winter route parking ban in place. 

That ban prohibits parking on designated winter routes daily from 12 a.m. to 7 a.m., and remains in effect until 7 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14.

However, the city has pushed back the start of its annual winter route parking ban — which is longer-term — for a couple of days to allow drivers to park overnight on those designated routes Sunday, Monday and Tuesday night. 

The annual winter route parking ban was initially set to start Tuesday, but instead will come into effect at 2 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, following the residential parking ban.

When it begins, parking will be prohibited on designated winter routes — marked with "winter route" or "snow route" signs — from 2 a.m. until 7 a.m.

Clearing schedule by zone

The city's clearing efforts will roll out as follows:

• Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. until Jan. 15 at 7 a.m.: Zones E, F, J, L, N, S and U.
• Jan. 15 at 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.: Zones A, I, K, O, R and T.
• Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. until Jan. 16 at 7 a.m.: Zones C, G, H, M, P and Q.
• Jan. 16 at 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.: Zones D and V.
• Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. until Jan. 17 at 7 a.m.: Zone B.

Residents can find their zone by checking the city's website or contacting 311.

Vehicles parked in violation of the residential parking ban could receive a $200 ticket ($150 if paid early) or be towed to a nearby street.

Tickets will be mailed out rather than put on windshields.

Anyone who believes their vehicle may have been towed should contact 311 for help in locating it.