City of Peterborough declares Significant Weather Event on Thursday, January 15, 2026

Peterborough, ON – The City of Peterborough declared a Significant Weather Event due to the winter storm with significant snow accumulation on Thursday, January 15, 2026 and more snow in the forecast over the next several days. 

Environment Canada issued a Yellow Warning for Peterborough with up to 30 centimeters of snow on January 15. 

City Public Works crews are fully deployed to clear snow from roads, sidewalks and trails.  

While crews continue to make progress in responding to the storm, more snow is expected over the next few days that may cause delays in fully clearing all roads, sidewalks and trails in the community. It is expected that crews will need to redeploy to main roads to address fresh snowfall conditions. 

The conditions from the storm could pose a danger to users of City roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes. Residents are advised to use caution. 

Declaring a Significant Weather Event under the Municipal Act, 2001, O. Reg. 239/02 is a way to advise residents, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists that clearing snow and treating surfaces on roads, sidewalks and bike lanes can be expected to be delayed compared to typical levels of service, due to the potential severity of the storm. It is a way to increase awareness about maintenance conditions and weather response activities.  

The City’s Public Works crews deploy 18 plow trucks, 11 sidewalk plows, two graders, seven loaders and backhoes and four light sanding units, with winter abrasives and de-icers.  

Crews will focus on arterial and collector roads first, with residential streets, sidewalks and trails to be addressed as resources and conditions allow. Work will continue until the City’s 1,028 kilometres of roads, 412 kilometres of sidewalks, 44 kilometres of trails, 29 Municipal Parking lots and 650 bus stops are cleared.  

When snow clearing operations on roads, sidewalks, trails and bus stops are complete, snow removal will begin at 250 locations including cul de sacs, dead ends and wide corners. Residents are reminded that there may be delays to this work based on available resources. 

Motorists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, and to adjust driving based on the conditions. Visibility may be reduced. 

• Go slow
• Watch for taillights ahead
• Be prepared to stop 

Road users and pedestrians are asked to leave crews the space they need to safely and effectively clean city streets, sidewalks and trails. Peterborough Transit may adjust service, including the use of designated snow routes, in response to weather conditions. 

The City thanks residents for their assistance and patience while the snow clearing work is underway.   

Winter parking restrictions are in place and 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 taking place, no parking or stopping of a vehicle is permitted on any city street. During snowstorms, free overnight parking is available in municipal parking garages and surface lots. Drivers can use the parking garage entrance ticket for a free ride home on Peterborough Transit.