Significant Weather Event Declared December 26, 2025

Peterborough, ON – The City of Peterborough declared a Significant Weather Event on Friday, December 26, 2025 due to the winter storm with significant snow accumulation and Environment Canada warning of the potential for ice pellets and areas of reduced visibility.

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

“Declaring a Significant Weather Event 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,” said John Czerniawski, Manager, Public Works Operations.  

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.

Municipalities can declare a Significant Weather Event under the Municipal Act, 2001, O. Reg. 239/02, relating to 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 for roads may not be met.

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. every night. Additionally, residents are asked not to park on City streets for the duration of the storm to allow for effective snow clearing. 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. 

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