TORONTO, January 19, 2026 — On January 15, 2026 following last week’s heavy snowfall, the City of Toronto activated a new Major Snow Event Response Plan (MSERP), declaring a Major Snowstorm Condition and Significant Weather Event starting at 5 p.m. in response to severe winter weather. Today, the Major Snow Event Response Plan (MSERP) is still in effect with specific parking bylaws until roadways are declared safe.
New in 2026
The new Major Snow Event Response Plan (MSERP) is a comprehensive, city-wide emergency framework designed to ensure Toronto is better prepared for large-scale snowstorms. Key features include:
- Scalable emergency response: The plan outlines clear escalation triggers, mapped snow routes and defined roles for staff across divisions. Rapid activation of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) ensures coordinated resources, communications and operations during Major Snow Events.
- Surge staffing and equipment development: Up to 200 support staff and 75 pieces of equipment from across City divisions can be redeployed to assist with snow clearing, inspections and towing.
- Towing and parking enforcement strategy: Enhanced coordination with Toronto Police and Parking Enforcement to remove vehicles obstructing snow routes. Updated signage and digital notifications will improve compliance, and temporary parking options are being explored for residents.
- Improved snow storage and melting capacity: The City is reviewing its five snow dump sites—two of which reached capacity last winter—and exploring new technologies for energy-efficient snow melting. In-house staff will be trained to maintain and repair aging melters, and new equipment is being considered.
- Cross division collaboration: The plan has been developed through extensive consultation with Transportation Services, Fleet Services, Emergency Management, the TTC, Toronto Police, contractors and other key collaborators to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
Major Snowstorm Condition – Snow-Specific Bylaws
A Major Snowstorm Condition is where snow-specific bylaws come into effect specific to keeping the city moving and residents safe, during a major snowfall.
While the declarations are in effect, parking on roads designated as snow routes is prohibited. This helps City crews clear and remove snow piles that obstruct traffic flow, interfere with pedestrians and parking, and obstruct sightlines. Emergency service vehicles rely on clear roads to respond quickly to emergencies.
Vehicles parked on snow routes will be towed at the owner’s expense during a declared event. Towed vehicles can be located via Toronto Police Services at 416-808-2222. Cars parked on a designated snow route during a declared event are subject to fines up to $500. A list and map of snow routes are on the City’s website: https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation/road-maintenance/winter-maintenance/major-snow-event/
Significant Weather Event
The significant increase in snow means it takes longer than usual to clear city roads, sidewalks and bicycle lanes. Because of this, the City is also declaring a Significant Weather Event. Under this the City is exempt from Provincial service levels for winter maintenance, as per provincial regulations: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/060612 and snow clearing focusses on prioritization for community safety.
As needed and based on conditions, the City will remove snow to designated storage sites in areas that have capacity issues. Snow removal operations commence as soon as the snow stops falling and planned plowing operations are complete.
Both declarations will be cancelled as soon as roadways are deemed safe.
Advice for the public
While the Major Snowstorm Condition is in effect, the City encourages the public to leave their vehicles at home and use public transit where possible. More information will be posted on the websites of TTC (https://www.ttc.ca/news/2025/February/TTC-prepared-for-heavy-snowfall-today ) and GO Transit (https://www.gotransit.com/en ).
Residents are asked to remain patient as snow clearing operations are active across the city, but due to the volume of snow, progress will take longer than usual. Check toronto.ca/winter for regular updates.
Road users should expect delays, slippery conditions and poor visibility due to the light, blowing snow. If driving, slow down, follow at a safe distance and use gentle braking, steering and acceleration. Road users should also keep a safe distance from snow clearing equipment and crews to let them complete their work safely and efficiently.
Follow the City on X to get the latest updates via @cityoftoronto . Residents can view plowing operations as they occur, with up to a four-hour delay, at toronto.ca/plowTO.
SOURCE City of Toronto
photo by Stephen Uhraney
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