What Is a Waterloo Snow Event?
A snow event is a type of weather event common in Waterloo during the Winter season (December-March).
Snow events are an important alert for residents to be careful when traversing areas of the region that are affected.
It’s important to note that a snow event is not always a significant weather event.
Waterloo will declare a snow event when:
- 8 cm+ snow has accumulated or is forecasted to accumulate within the next 24 hours.
Waterloo will declare a significant weather event when*:
- More than 20 cm of snow is expected within 24 hours.
- More than 20 mm of ice is expected to accumulate.
*Listed are only applicable winter weather conditions for a significant weather event. These are not the only conditions that can trigger a significant weather event.
What Happens When a Snow Event Is Declared in Waterloo
When a Snow Event is Declared: Waterloo’s Responsibilities
- Waterloo and surrounding municipalities are responsible for declaring when a snow event has started, as well as when the snow event is cancelled or extended.
- A snow event will usually be declared in the early hours of the morning or the night before via local news stations, the local municipality’s website, and/or through a scheduled alert.
- The weather announcement will likely include a time range for when the snow event is expected to start and end.
- Along with the weather announcement, the city should also give direction on what homeowners and other property owners must do (if anything) during the snow event.
- If Waterloo declares a snow event, it is very likely surrounding areas, like Kitchener and Cambridge, will also be affected. Regardless, each city will put out their own weather alert, so keep a look out for your local municipality’s weather announcements.
After a Snow Event is Declared: Your Responsibilities
- Waterloo residents are expected to follow any directions given within the weather announcement.
- Parking on the street during a snow event is strictly prohibited to make space for municipal snow plows.
- Waterloo residents must also follow local snow clearing bylaws, including ensuring that snow and ice is cleared from sidewalks. You can learn more about snow removal bylaws here.
- Parking exemptions are automatically cancelled during snow events. Those with an exemption are still required to move their vehicle(s).
- For a significant weather event, the city may direct residents to stay inside throughout the snowfall for their safety.
How Waterloo Homeowners Can Prepare for a Snow Event
Here is a list of immediate to-dos once a snow event has been announced in Waterloo and surrounding areas:
- Remove any and all owned vehicles from city streets to prevent parking tickets or fines (parking exemptions do not apply during snow events).
- Clear your driveway and sidewalk before the snow builds up. Shoveling early can prevent heavy, compacted snow from becoming harder to remove later.
- Keep garbage and recycling bins off the curb until plowing is complete to prevent damage or blockage.
- Avoid piling snow onto the road or sidewalk. This violates city bylaws and can create hazards for pedestrians and plows.
- Check the city’s official communication channels (such as waterloo.ca, social media, or local news) for updates on when the snow event will end or if it has been extended.
- Use salt or sand on walkways and steps to prevent ice buildup and reduce slip hazards.
- Consider hiring a snow removal company for continuous maintenance during heavy or prolonged snowfall — especially if you’re away or unable to clear snow yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I park if city street parking is prohibited?
You must find an off-street parking space for your vehicle(s). Here are some off-street parking options during a snow event:
- Park in your personal driveway or garage (if applicable).
- Ask a neighbour about parking in their personal driveway or garage.
- Locate your nearest public parking garage and park there.
- Park in a designated municipal parking lot.
Contact the city directly if you are having issues finding a place to temporary park your vehicle(s).
What if I can’t clear the snow or ice?
You are required to clear the snow and/or ice within 24 hours no matter what. If you are unable to do it yourself, you must ensure someone else does it for you.
We offer around-the-clock snow removal for residential and commercial customers. Feel free to request a free estimate for our Waterloo snow removal services.
How Waterloo Businesses Should Prepare
When a snow event is declared, Waterloo business owners have a responsibility not only to stay compliant with city bylaws but also to ensure their property remains safe and accessible for customers and employees. Here’s how to prepare before and during a snow event:
- Move company and employee vehicles off city streets. Use private lots or garages instead.
- Arrange for timely snow and ice removal on sidewalks, walkways, parking lots, and other areas of your commercial property that could be affected.
- Work with Quality Care for snow removal and plowing. We will monitor city alerts, handle clearing automatically, and ensure your property stays compliant. We can make multiple visits per day if needed.
- Communicate with staff and tenants about the snow event ahead of time. They should be aware of any parking restrictions and changes to business hours or access routes.
- Keep emergency exits and fire routes accessible throughout the snow event. Snow buildup in these areas can be a safety violation.
- Apply salt or sand on entrances and steps, and prevent indoor slips by setting up wet floor signs. Quality care can provide salting services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my business be held liable for a slip during a snow event?
Yes, a customer or employee can make a claim for a slip and fall that occurred on the business property.
However, the claimant will have to prove negligence on your part. If the business made reasonable efforts to prevent a falling hazard, it shouldn’t be held responsible. Reasonable efforts can include putting up warning signs, hiring a snow removal contractor, or making a serious effort to remove the hazard. Keep a hold of invoices, security footage, or documentation that can prove you made reasonable efforts to remove the snow and/or ice.
Around-The-Clock Snow Plowing for Homes and Businesses
Take the responsibility out of your hands during a snow event by hiring a trusted snow removal contractor like Quality Care. We’re known by locals for our comprehensive and affordable snow removal services.
Whether you own a home or commercial property, we have professional-grade snow plow equipment for safely and efficiently removing snow. We are continuously monitoring local weather conditions to ensure we respond proactively and strategically to any snowfall.
Our snow removal team is available 24/7 to continuously salt and plow your property as needed, no need to make a call. Make snow clearing simple — trust us to clear your property, parking lots, and nearby sidewalks.
Or get a quicker response by calling (226) 606-8320.
Where to Stay Updated During Snow Events in Waterloo
Waterloo Region will update the public about a snow event via press releases, which can be found on their website, as well as on their official Facebook and Twitter accounts.