Residents asked to help clear on-street catch basins

_ (via City of Ottawa) _ Environment Canada is predicting a mix of weather this weekend that may pose challenges for residents.

The City of Ottawa is encouraging residents to visit the Winter Weather webpage on ottawa.ca for information on the weather, including updates on City operations and tips on what residents can do in preparation for, and during, weather incidents. ** Mild Weather ** City crews will be clearing catch basins to improve drainage during the expected melt, but with 56,000 catch basins across the city, residents can also help to improve the flow of stormwater and prevent localized flooding by clearing ones near their homes of snow and ice. Catch basins can be identified by the yellow “T” painted in the centre of the road. ** Freezing Rain and Fast Freeze ** City crews are also preparing for the freezing rain and for a freeze following the melt, which is predicted as part of this weekend’s weather forecast. Crews will be out spreading salt and clearing roads and sidewalks. Residents are asked to exercise caution if driving, cycling or walking due to the slippery conditions caused by slushy then icy road conditions.

To make the city’s sidewalks safe to walk on in the winter, the City has placed 56 “do-it-yourself” grit boxes at various locations for residents to use. The grit boxes are located close to steep hills and in areas where there are many pedestrians, seniors and persons using mobility devices. Residents are encouraged to spread the grit on slippery spots on sidewalks and other problem areas. For grit box locations, visit ottawa.ca . ** Service Requests ** Residents who require a service from the City due to the weather are encouraged to submit a service request through ServiceOttawa at ottawa.ca