Get winter ready: tips and tools for winter in Kitchener

Kitchener, Ontario – With snow on the ground and plows on the street, we have officially welcomed winter in Kitchener. With the snow comes the winter season’s responsibilities – both for the City of Kitchener and for residents.  

You can expect to see City of Kitchener plows on the streets throughout the season. The City monitors snow and ice accumulation and we clear snow and ice from roads and sidewalks around city-owned facilities, walkways, and parks. Residents and property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks around their properties within 24 hours of the end of a snowfall. Anyone requiring extra help to clear the snow around their property can visit kitchener.ca/snow for more information on organizations that offer snow clearing assistance during the winter season.  

To make sure City plows have access to maintain streets, overnight parking is not permitted between 2:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. from Dec. 1, 2025, to Mar. 31, 2026. Any cars parked on roads overnight during this time require a parking exemption. More information about parking in the winter is available at kitchener.ca/ParkingBylaws. 

To make sure you stay safe in your home, keep snow and ice clear from your gas meter and furnace exhaust vents. This will allow a consistent flow of natural gas to your appliances, ensure proper venting of your fuel-burning appliances and lower the risk of natural gas build-up in your home. Check your carbon monoxide and fire alarms to make sure they’re functioning properly. If there is a fire hydrant near your home, make sure it is clear of snow and accessible in case of an emergency. 

When there is significant snowfall – 8 cm or more in the forecast or accumulated – the City declares a snow event. Snow events prompt the City’s tag and tow process, which bans parking on city streets so snow clearing can take place safely. When a snow event has been declared, the parking ban extends into the day, from the time the snow event is declared to the time it either expires (24 hours after it is declared) or is cancelled by the City. Snow events will be declared on the City’s website and social media platforms. To stay up to date on snow event declarations, subscribe to kitchener.ca/snow for email notifications.  

Remember to use caution when travelling during the winter; it will help keep everyone safe. Be aware of the road conditions and forecast before leaving, and consider staying home when possible during snow events. The City’s snow plow priorities map shows the order in which roads are cleared and the getting around map is activated during a snow event to show which roads have been cleared to help you plan your trip. Above all, connecting with your community and keeping an eye out for one another will help ensure everyone has a happy and healthy winter season. Be aware of those around you and if you see a neighbour struggling, offer to help if you can. 

Visit www.kitchener.ca/snow for more information on winter readiness and the tools available to help you plan for a safe season.  

For more information:    

Krystin Scheels 
Communications and Marketing Associate 
City of Kitchener 
Media@kitchener.ca