The City of Toronto has lifted two important weather-related declarations that were initiated last Thursday in response to a major snowstorm. The declarations, which banned parking on designated snow routes and imposed heavy penalties for violations, were rescinded at 5 p.m. on Monday.

The Major Snowstorm Condition and the Significant Weather Event declarations were implemented to facilitate more effective snow removal operations. This included plowing and clearing snow from roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes, ensuring they were accessible for residents and commuters.

During the period of the parking ban, drivers who failed to comply faced fines of up to $500 and the potential towing of their vehicles. The City maintained that strict enforcement was necessary to enable snow removal crews to operate efficiently in the challenging winter conditions.

Although the snow-related declarations have been lifted, the City urges motorists to remain vigilant. Drivers are advised to avoid parking in areas marked by temporary orange "No Parking – Snow Removal" signs, which indicate that snow clearing will occur within 24 hours of the sign being posted. The City warned that vehicles parked in these zones could still be subject to fines or towing at the owner’s expense.

In an effort to expedite snow removal, the City recommends that residents seek off-street parking where feasible. By doing so, they can help ensure that roads remain clear for snow clearing operations to proceed swiftly and safely.

For ongoing snow-related service requests, the City encourages residents to contact 3-1-1, ensuring all concerns are addressed promptly as snowfall continues to impact city life.

The advocacy group Citizens of Toronto issued a statement on Monday, criticizing the City for the extended duration of the parking ban. Local business owner Paul Macchiusi expressed his concerns regarding the City’s response to the snowstorm, stating, “This isn’t the City’s first snowfall, nor is it the first major storm event we’ve experienced.” He emphasized that he believed the majority of snow removal should have been completed by Friday night or at the latest, Saturday afternoon, so that businesses could return to normal operations by the weekend.

Macchiusi argued that the extended parking ban was “disproportionate and punitive” and had negative repercussions on local businesses that rely on accessible streets to serve their customers effectively. His comments reflect a growing frustration among residents and local business owners, who feel that the City should have been better prepared for such winter challenges.