City says ice storm clean-up a ‘multi-week effort’

OTTAWA – As the first day (April 6) following an impactful ice storm ends, city staff turn their attention from emergency response to clean-up.

“City staff continue to clear fallen trees and debris from our roads and pathways,” staff released in a statement this afternoon (April 6). “Forestry Services has received more than 1,600 requests for service since Wednesday. Staff are triaging calls and prioritizing work to address downed trees and broken or hanging limbs that are blocking streets or that may otherwise pose a hazard to residents or property.”

Cleanup will be a multi-week effort involving multiple teams and partners.

Storm-related debris

Tree cuttings, branches and brush may be placed at the curb for chipping or collection, separate from non-organic waste and tied with twine in bundles, if possible.

“Remember not to stack or lean any branches, limbs or brush on trees, utility poles or other structures, and keep waste debris at least 1.5 metres away from fire hydrants to ensure firefighters have clear access,” staff said. “Please be patient as chipping and/or collection by city crews and contracted services will take some time.”

Starting Friday, April 7, tipping fees at the city’s landfill site at the Trail Waste Facility (4475 Trail Rd.) will be temporarily waived for residents with organic storm-related waste such as tree-cuttings, brush and branches. The Trail Waste Facility is open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Good Friday (April 7) and on Easter Monday (April 10), it is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it is also open on Saturday, April 15 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The city is monitoring the risks of food spoilage due to prolonged power outages and will advise of targeted collection if necessary. For now, residents are encouraged to use their green bin, and to consider public health guidance on food safety during an outage.

Traffic signals

There are still several traffic signals without power, and others being run on temporary generators in locations across the city.

“City teams are working closely with our utility partners to address traffic signals that remain without power,” staff said. “City teams are working closely with our utility partners to address traffic signals that remain without power.”

If you come across flashing or powerless traffic signals, please treat it as a four-way stop.

Significant Weather Event

The Significant Weather Event has been lifted. The Roads and Parking Services team is continuing their work to maintain the city’s sidewalks, roads and the winter cycling network, and to restore them to normal conditions. Residents are reminded to continue exercising caution while using the transportation network due to fallen trees, branches and debris.

For up-to-date information on the storm cleanup, please visit ottawa.ca.