City declares significant weather event and asks residents to avoid unnecessary travel if possible
The City of Kingston has declared a significant weather event following a snowfall warning issued by Environment Canada. During a significant weather event, residents are advised to use extra caution and are reminded that winter maintenance service levels for roads and sidewalks may not be met.
All municipal facilities, including City administration offices, cultural and community centres, will be delayed in opening until 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13. Customer Service will not be available, including by phone. We appreciate your patience and will reply to any Service Requests submitted during this time as soon as possible. Garbage pickup will be delayed or postponed throughout the city with collectors reaching neighbourhoods as soon as possible.
The severe weather will affect travel Wednesday evening and into Thursday morning. Residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel and to please stay safe.
A modified transit service will be in effect on Thursday, Feb. 13, until 12 noon, at which time regular service will resume. Should travel be essential, check your route before you go at KingstonTransit.ca and plan extra time for your trip; it may be longer than usual as transit operators safely navigate streets and slower traffic.
Residents can check the City’s social media accounts for updates during the storm:
What makes a weather event significant?
A significant weather event is defined as an approaching or occurring weather hazard with the potential to pose a significant danger to the users of highways (streets) within a municipality. When hazardous weather is expected, Environment Canada will issue an alert under its Public Weather Alerting Program. Provincial legislation was updated in 2018 to allow municipalities to declare a significant weather event.
Be safe around snowplows
Drivers: Stay three car-lengths behind a snowplow to allow for a safe stopping distance. Never cut off a snowplow.
Pedestrians and caregivers:
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Assume the snowplow driver has NOT seen you.
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If you see a snowplow, move off the sidewalk and into a yard where you can be seen.
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Do not play on or make forts or tunnels in roadside snowbanks.
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Never approach a snowplow, even when it has stopped.
Residents can review the City’s Winter Maintenance Policy online to learn more about the Provincial Minimum Maintenance Standards at CityofKingston.ca/Snow.
Contact Us
City of Kingston
City Hall
216 Ontario Street
Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3
Canada
contactus@cityofkingston.ca
Phone: 613-546-0000
The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.
Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.
Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.
