Toronto police issued 10,551 parking tickets and towed 21 vehicles in the four days following last week’s major winter storm, underscoring the City’s stricter enforcement of snow route parking rules during severe weather.
The storm, which hit Toronto on Thursday, Jan. 15, dumped at least 25 centimetres of snow, prompting intensive snow-clearing operations across the city. According to the Toronto Police Service, officers focused enforcement on vehicles illegally parked on designated snow routes, where obstructions can significantly delay plowing and emergency response.
City officials say the stepped-up enforcement follows lessons learned from back-to-back storms in February 2025, when nearly 60 centimetres of snow crippled traffic and left streetcars stuck behind improperly parked vehicles. In response, the City of Toronto revamped its winter maintenance strategy.
Under the updated plan, more than 1,300 workers are assigned to snow response operations, supported by additional equipment dedicated to plowing, inspections and towing. The City has also more than doubled fines for parking on snow routes during storms — increasing penalties from $200 to $500.
With another bout of extreme winter weather forecast, officials are urging residents to follow parking restrictions closely. Environment Canada is warning of wind chills near –30 C, along with the possibility of further snow this weekend.
A full list of Toronto’s designated snow routes is available on the City’s winter maintenance webpage, as authorities remind drivers that compliance is critical to keeping roads clear and residents safe during severe winter conditions.