Montreal's first snow removal operation of the season begins tonight
After the snow comes the work to clear it.
The City of Montreal announced Monday that its first snow removal operation of the season is set to begin at 7 p.m.
Some 2,200 plows and other snow removal vehicles will be deployed to remove the snow from the city’s 10,000 kilometres of streets, sidewalks and bike paths.
Spreading and clearing operations have already begun, as workers lay the groundwork for the massive task.
The clock is ticking as temperatures are expected to drop from Monday's high of 8 C to minus 3 C by the morning on Tuesday.
"Every slush, every bit of water or snow that won't be shovelled up, will hard freeze, of course," said Environment Canada meteorologist Jean-Philippe Begin.
The city is reminding Montrealers to steer clear of snow operations, whether you’re in a car, on a bike or on foot.
Drivers must keep a close eye on parking signage during snow-clearing operations. In general, signs prohibiting parking from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. go up on the same day before 3 p.m., and signs prohibiting parking from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. go up on the previous day before 8 p.m.
If you don’t obey the signage, expect your car to get towed and a fine to go along with it.
Pedestrians and cyclists should use caution around snow removal vehicles, which have large blind spots.
Don’t assume a driver can see you and remember that trucks will often move forward and backward to clear the snow. Stay visible, make eye contact with the driver and maintain a distance. If possible, stand back and let the vehicle complete its work and leave the area before proceeding.
Don’t clutter sidewalks with bags or bins, and park 30 centimetres from the sidewalk to allow room for the machinery. Remember that people with lowered mobility need access to the sidewalks, so keep them clear.
Environment Canada is forecasting slightly more precipitation than normal this winter and warmer temperatures than what we're used to.
With files from CTV News' Billy Shields.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.