PRESS RELEASE - City Plows to the Rescue After Storm

Not from a current winter. Courtesy of the Mercury.

How are you coping with our first official snow day of the winter? Well, the City of Guelph wants you to know that it's coping okay and that city plows are out, in force, to keep the city going in the midst of the bitter cold and the foot of snow we received here in the Royal City overnight.

Here's the press release from the City of Guelph:

Snow removal

City crews continue to plow the primary and secondary roadways throughout the city. A residential plow out started at 8 a.m.; residents are asked to move cars off streets to allows plows to pass.

Sidewalk plowing started early this morning and will continue until complete. As a result of blowing snow and cold temperatures, sidewalk snow removal will continue over the coming days.

Staff will monitor and react with available crews and equipment to address the changing weather conditions as the system passes through Guelph. It is expected that plowing operations and clean-up will continue for the next couple of days.

Waste collection

Waste collection is taking place today; please place carts five to six feet back from the mouth of the driveway to allow plows to clear the road. If waste collection workers are unable to pick up your waste today, it will be picked up tomorrow.

Guelph Transit

Guelph Transit buses are running today, but may be delayed. The University of Guelph Express routes (50, 56, 57 and 58) are not running. Mobility Services is operating essential medical appointments only at this time.

Recreation facilities

All City recreation facilities are open. Registrants are encouraged to call before attending regularly scheduled programming.

Committee Meetings

Today’s Corporate Services Committee and Public Services Committee meetings are cancelled due to weather.

Report a problem

Report a snow removal concern by using the “How can we help you?” section on guelph.ca or call 519-837-5628 and include your name, contact information and the exact location.

The City reminds residents of the following to stay safe during the winter season:

• Allow for extra commute times and drive according to road conditions.
• Please be patient with sidewalk clearing operations. If you’re able, please help clear sidewalks near your property. Seniors and residents with a physical disability who require assistance shoveling can call Snow Angels at 519-822-1155.
• Keep fire hydrants clear of snow.
• Do not place waste on top of snow banks or on the road as these pose obstacles to the City’s snow clearing operations. Instead shovel a spot for your carts or bags, or place them in the driveway five to six feet back from the road.
• Help keep storm drains and catch basins clear to prevent flooding.
• To keep roads safe and accessible, do not park across from another vehicle or driveway, and whenever possible, move parked cars off the streets to make room for snow plows.
• When parking on-street, residents are reminded to obey Guelph’s traffic by-law and ensure there is at least three metres of clearance on the road – space required for other vehicles such as Fire and emergency medical services (EMS) to pass safety.

The City’s winter maintenance service helps ensure community safety every day, and in the event of extreme weather.

The City will continue to provide updates to the community, and invites people to subscribe to updates using Twitter or Facebook.

Notice of closure from the University of Guelph: 

The University of Guelph has adopted weather emergency procedures and is closed. Classes are cancelled. All deferred examinations scheduled for tonight will be rescheduled to Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 6 p.m. in MCLN, Room 102.

Only essential workers are requested to report to work and public transportation is recommended for safety reasons.

The University’s child care centre is also closed.

The presentations by the candidate for provost and vice-president (academic) that were planned for today will be rescheduled.

The decision to close is based on a variety of factors, including weather forecasts, road conditions and the availability of public transportation. For more information, please refer to the Hazardous Weather Policy.