Following Wednesday evening's heavy snowfall, the City says overnight snow removal work continues through the morning across Toronto.
This comes as the threat of more snow still looms on Thursday, with flurries expected in the afternoon that pose the risk for snow squalls. Toronto will see a high of -4ºC with a wind chill near -13ºC, the weather agency is forecasting.
READ: Outside Workers Strike Could Lead to Lack of Snow Removal this Weekend
This evening, Environment Canada says the snow will continue with up to another 10 cm expected.
As you could imagine, the roads have been messy and the Ontario Provincial Police said they have responded to about 180 crashes in the GTA over the past 12 hours.
Locally, the City said plowing operations on local streets began overnight at approximately 3 am and will continue well into Thursday evening. Local roads will be salted following plowing with cleanup operations ongoing through the weekend.
The TTC is also encouraging the public to leave their cars at home and take the TTC today.
" Our crews are out there delivering safe service on this snowy Thursday," said TTC spokesperson Stuart Green. "As a reminder, if parking along streetcar routes, please keep the tracks clear."
However, if you must drive today, make sure to clear all of the snow off your vehicle to keep both you and other drivers safe.
The City said sidewalk salting and plowing has already begun, with cleanup continuing through the weekend.
Remember, however, that while the city is responsible for sidewalk plowing in most parts of the city when this service isn’t available, homeowners and property owners are responsible for clearing ice and snow from nearby and adjacent sidewalks, driveways, parking spaces, steps, ramps, and landings within 12 hours of snowfall to provide safe access for people and vehicles.
If you have yet to do so, you could face a $455 fine plus a $115 surcharge, for a total of $570, if you fail to clear snow from private property, or $100 plus $25 surcharge, for a total of $125, for failing to clear public property, as per the city’s Snow and Ice Clearing Bylaw.
Luckily, temperatures are expected to rise in the coming days, with periods of sunshine expected on Saturday and Sunday, which is a welcomed change from the grey skies we’ve been seeing lately.
