As snow blankets parts of southern Ontario, the City of Toronto has taken decisive action by declaring a major snowstorm condition and significant weather event.
Effective as of 5 p.m. on Thursday, these declarations are part of a revamped snowstorm response strategy designed to bolster resources for tackling the wintry weather.
In line with city protocols, the municipal emergency operations center has been activated to streamline coordination among various departments and ensure swift communication.
To aid in snow clearing efforts, the city has mobilized an additional 200 staff members and 75 pieces of equipment for tasks such as plowing, inspections, and towing operations.
In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, the City of Toronto emphasized its commitment to relocating excess snow to storage sites in areas facing capacity constraints.
Parking restrictions along designated snow routes have been enforced under the major snowstorm condition, facilitating unobstructed traffic flow and emergency vehicle access.
To facilitate street clearing, officials are collaborating closely with the Toronto Police Service to address vehicles parked on snow routes, with potential temporary parking solutions under consideration.
Violation of snow route parking regulations can result in fines of up to $500 plus towing expenses, underscoring the importance of compliance during winter weather events.
Under the significant weather event declaration, the city is granted exemptions from certain service level standards due to the extended time required to clear roads, sidewalks, and bicycle lanes following heavy snowfall.
As snowfall continues and more is forecasted for the weekend, residents are urged to stay updated on road conditions and the progress of snow removal operations across Toronto.
Keyphrase: Toronto snowstorm updates