Environment Canada is predicting a major winter storm, beginning tonight and possibly continuing through December 25th. The storm may bring extreme cold, freezing rain, heavy snow, high winds, and flash freezes.
Here’s some important information to help you prepare.
I have contacted the City’s Emergency Command Centre to request that, in the event of an extended power outage, area community centres be deployed as needed for warming, device charging, and access to wi-fi. I will update on Twitter throughout the weekend (@laine_johnson1).
Hydro
Hydro Ottawa’s Crisis Management Teams will be in place to oversee the power supply and deploy resources as needed.
Ice and heavy snow can cause short-term outages, so please be patient. To find out the current status of an outage, residents are advised to visit our website and Outage Map at
www.hydroottawa.com/outages, which is updated every 15 minutes as new information comes in from
our crews. Hydro Ottawa relies on customers to help pinpoint the cause of an outage, by:
Snow clearing
I’ve heard from staff that they are putting extra resources into clearing our roads and sidewalks this weekend. Changing conditions and long-lasting storms are challenging because they need to keep returning to the same routes. Please be patient and allow our crews to do their work.
A Winter Weather Parking Ban will be in effect from 10 am Friday, December 23 to 7 am Saturday, December 24. The extension to the standard winter weather parking ban is essential for the support of our operations. The fewer cars parked on the road, the faster crews can clear the lanes.
In College Ward, you can park for free at Centrepointe Park (260 Centrepointe Dr) during winter parking bans.
Transit
Please give yourself extra time to get to your destination and expect delays. Articulated buses will likely be taken off the road, so buses might be a bit more crowded.
And be careful getting on and off buses as the curbside may be icy.
Text 560-560 or call 560-1000 and follow @OCTranspoLive on Twitter for the latest information.
How you can help
City crews will work hard to open catch basins ahead of this week’s event, but they cannot do it alone. If you are able, please clear your local catch basin. Cleared catch basins allows water to drain from the streets unrestricted, preventing water from pooling on our roads which in turn, helps them from freezing over should the temperature drop. As the temperature is forecasted to drop late Friday, clearing catch basins ahead of this event is crucial in preventing slippery and hazardous travelling conditions. You may also report a blocked catch basin by creating an online service request by visiting Ottawa.ca.
With the holiday break just a few days away, we understand that many may have last-minute errands to run. In anticipation of the conditions that are expected later this week, please plan ahead by completing any errands before the winter weather event reaches the City on Thursday.
Emergency preparedness
that includes things like: medicine, first aid supplies, flashlights, new batteries, a battery-operated radio, a manual can opener, canned food, bottled water, blankets, food for pets, and important documents and telephone numbers
Charge mobile devices and laptops
For those requiring an uninterrupted supply of power for specialized medical equipment, ensure you have a back-up supply in place or a plan to relocate to a facility that can assist you.
For those with mobile disabilities and live in a building that requires the use of an elevator, be sure to inform the building’s management that you may need assistance.
Install a backup power supply for your sump pump. This will help avoid flooding during power outages.
Today, I seconded a motion by Mayor Sutcliffe to provide residents who are rebuilding after the July 1, 2026 flooding with relief from fees associated with construction.
WHEREAS the extreme weather events of July 1, August 10 and August 12, 2026,
caused significant disruption, property damage, and financial hardship for
residents across the city, impacting more than 6,500 properties; and
WHEREAS the City’s Revenue Services team has implemented temporary
administrative measures to support affected residents, including the suspension
of collection activities, a pause on interest accumulation and related late fees,
enhanced customer service accommodations, and account-level notifications for
impacted properties; and
Today, I tabled an Inquiry to ask for details about Inlet Control Devices, why they were installed in west end catch basins, how they're maintained, and whether they may have contributed to the July 1 flooding.
Inquiry:
Following the July 1, 2026 flooding of thousands of west end Ottawa homes,
businesses, and public facilities, and again after the flooding on August 10, 2026,
many residents noted that stormwater drainage through municipal catch basins
was inhibited by Inlet Control Devices (ICDs) which had been installed by the
City.
Several also noted that the ICDs were plugged with dirt and debris, completely
blocking the catch basin from draining storm water.
The apparent result of the ICDs, whether blocked or not, was to cause overland
flooding that entered homes.
Today, I moved a motion, seconded by Mayor Sutcliffe, to consult with weather experts to determine how College Ward and environs are being impacted by extreme weather so we can plan to improve our infrastructure and maintenance routines.
WHEREAS over the past several years, Nepean has suffered several extreme
weather events including the 2018 tornados; 2022 derecho; the 2023 ice storm;
the July 1, 2026 rainstorm and floods; and the August 12, 2026 windstorm; and
WHEREAS the City of Ottawa’s Climate Projections for the National Capital
Region (2020) indicate that Ottawa is projected to see rising temperatures, more
rainfall and more extreme weather events; and
WHEREAS recent and historical weather patterns suggest that the affected areas
of Nepean may experience localized weather and climatic conditions that differ
from other parts of the city;
WHEREAS the City of Ottawa uses climate and weather reports when designing
its infrastructure standards, infrastructure maintenance routines and resident
support programs; and