City of Toronto Activates Major Snow Event Response Plan as Heavy Snowfall Hits GTA

City activates Major Snow Event Response Plan amid heavy snowfall

TORONTO — The City of Toronto has activated its Major Snow Event Response Plan (MSERP), declaring both a Major Snowstorm Condition and a Significant Weather Event as a major winter storm moves across the city.

Snow that began earlier Sunday is expected to continue into Monday morning, with 30 centimetres or more forecast in parts of Toronto over a 24-hour period. City officials are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and remain at home where possible as winter maintenance crews work around the clock.

Major Snowstorm Condition Now in Effect

Under the Major Snowstorm Condition, parking is prohibited on all designated snow routes, including roads with streetcar tracks. These routes are clearly marked with permanent snow route signage.

The parking restrictions are intended to allow snowplows and removal crews to clear roadways more efficiently, reduce obstructions for pedestrians, and maintain access for emergency vehicles and transit services.

Toronto has declared a Major Snow Storm and activated our Major Snow Event Response Plan.

The City’s Emergency Operations Centre is coordinating our response across City divisions, emergency services, and the TTC.

We have over 600 plows on roads and sidewalks. Over 1,300 city…

— Mayor Olivia Chow 🇨🇦 (@MayorOliviaChow) January 25, 2026

Drivers are also reminded to obey temporary orange “No Parking – Snow Removal” signs, which indicate that snow removal will occur within 24 hours. Vehicles parked in these zones may be fined $100 or towed at the owner’s expense. Towed vehicles can be located through Toronto Police Service.

Where possible, motorists are encouraged to use off-street parking to help crews clear streets more quickly.

Significant Weather Event Declared

Due to the volume and intensity of snowfall, the City has also declared a Significant Weather Event, meaning snow clearing will take longer than usual.

Under provincial regulations, this declaration temporarily exempts the City from standard winter maintenance timelines, allowing crews to focus on priority routes and locations to ensure community safety.

Emergency Operations and Enhanced Enforcement Activated

Activation of the MSERP triggers a coordinated citywide response, including:

• Activation of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate winter operations, communications, transit, and emergency services.

• Redeployment of City staff and equipment to assist with snow clearing, inspections, and towing.

• Enhanced parking enforcement and towing in partnership with Toronto Police Service to keep snow routes clear and accessible.

Travel and Safety Advisory for Residents

The City is advising residents to leave vehicles at home and use public transit where possible. Road users should expect delays, slippery conditions, poor visibility, and blowing snow.

Drivers are urged to slow down, maintain safe following distances, and use gentle braking and steering. Pedestrians and cyclists are reminded to keep a safe distance from snow-clearing equipment to allow crews to work safely and efficiently.

Residents can follow real-time updates via @cityoftoronto on X and monitor plowing activity at toronto.ca/plowTO, which displays operations with up to a four-hour delay. Ongoing updates are also available at toronto.ca/winter.

GTA Today will continue to monitor the storm response and provide updates as conditions evolve.

Follow @GTAWeeklyNews for local updates and community alerts.