City of Peterborough Declares Significant Weather Event

Peterborough, ON – Due to a winter storm that brought significant snowfall to the region, the City of Peterborough has declared a Significant Weather Event effective Monday, January 26, 2026. 

Beginning on Sunday, January 25, a winter storm resulted in significant snowfall across the region. Snowfall continued into the early morning hours of Monday, January 26. 

Snow accumulation has resulted in narrowed travel lanes and reduced bike lane widths. In addition, sidewalks at various locations require blower assistance or mechanical snow removal. 

Crews are actively working through a prioritized list of winter maintenance operations. While these efforts are underway, the Significant Weather Event Declaration will remain in effect. 

Municipalities can declare a Significant Weather Event under the Municipal Act, 2001 (O. Reg. 239/02) when severe weather impacts the maintenance of municipal roads, sidewalks and bike lanes.  

During a significant weather event, residents are advised to use caution and are reminded that typical winter maintenance service levels may not be met as crews respond to storm conditions. 

The City’s Public Works crews have deployed: 

• 18 plow trucks 
• 11 sidewalk plows 
• Two graders 
• Seven loaders and backhoes 
• Four light sanding units 

Crews are working to clear the City’s: 

• 1,028 kilometres of roads 
• 412 kilometres of sidewalks 
• 44 kilometres of trails 
• 29 municipal parking lots 
• 650 bus stops 

Once snow clearing operations on roads, sidewalks, trails, and bus stops are complete, snow removal will begin to restore travel lanes, bike lanes, and sidewalks. This will also include approximately 250 locations such as cul-de-sacs, dead ends, and wide corners. 

Residents and pedestrians are asked to give snow-clearing crews the space needed to work safely and efficiently. 

Peterborough Transit may adjust service, including the use of designated snow routes, in response to weather conditions. 

Winter parking restrictions remain in effect. Parking is prohibited on all City streets from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. from December 1 to April 1. Additionally, when snow-clearing operations are underway, no parking or stopping is permitted on any city street. During snowstorms, free overnight parking is available in municipal parking garages and surface lots. Drivers may use a parking garage entrance ticket for a free ride home on Peterborough Transit. For more information on winter parking visit peterborough.ca/parking. 
 
The Significant Weather Event Declaration will be lifted once conditions improve and winter maintenance operations are able to return to normal service standards.