Municipalities across the Greater Toronto Area are gearing up for an approaching snowstorm scheduled for Sunday, as Environment Canada has issued an orange winter storm watch. The alert indicates that Toronto, York, Durham, and Peel regions may experience snowfall ranging between 20 to 40 centimetres. Halton region is also under a yellow watch, with expectations of up to 30 centimetres of snow.
Various municipalities are making preparations for the anticipated blizzard on Sunday. In Toronto, salt domes have been replenished, and crews are pre-salting Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) routes located on hills. Additional staff and new sidewalk plows are on standby to assist with snow clearing operations. City maintenance garages will have round-the-clock staffing to ensure quick repairs on snow equipment.
Toronto has heightened staffing for the 311 line to manage an anticipated surge in snow-related service requests. If necessary, the city is prepared to activate its major snow event response plan if snow accumulates to 25 centimetres or more.
Residents in Toronto are advised to avoid non-essential travel, stock up on groceries, and stay updated on city announcements and snow route parking restrictions. Warming centres and surge spaces in Toronto will remain open, offering extended hours at city-funded daytime drop-in programs.
In Vaughan, over 230 pieces of winter maintenance equipment are ready for deployment to combat the storm. The city plans to prepare roads by spraying brine to prevent black ice formation. Vaughan aims to salt main roads within four hours after snowfall stops, and residential roads within 12 hours.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown stated that the city has over 360 snow removal vehicles and crews ready to work continuously. Fines for vehicles obstructing snowplows have been increased as a deterrent. The city has already towed over 300 cars and issued more than $1 million in fines since December.
Mississauga City Councillor Dipika Damerla emphasized the city’s focus on plowing main streets first during the snowstorm. With garbage collection scheduled for Monday in some areas, priorities may shift to ensure access for garbage trucks. Damerla urged residents to be patient as the city manages multiple priorities during the storm. Mississauga has also issued numerous tickets to parked cars obstructing snowplows this winter. Additionally, the city ensures a no turn-away policy at shelters and offers stay the night programs and drop-in centres for those in need.
