Winter storm warning ends in Hamilton and area

The winter storm warning has ended for Hamilton and Burlington, Niagara region and Haldimand County after seeing significant snowfall Sunday, says Environment Canada. 

The entire area was under a winter storm warning for most of Sunday as up to 25 centimetres of snow was expected to accumulate, says Environment Canada.

"Conditions will rapidly deteriorate this morning," said the federal agency. "Travel will be hazardous and not recommended." 

While the heaviest amount of snow was expected to fall Sunday morning, the "highly impactful" storm continued until late afternoon, Environment Canada says.

Hamilton was under a cold weather alert and temperatures were expected to fall below -15 C or feel like -20 with the wind chill, says the chief medical officer of health in a news release Sunday. 

Typically when the city issues a cold weather alert, libraries and recreation centres serve as warming spaces for people experiencing homelessness during typical business hours. But the city has closed those spaces due to the winter storm, it says. 

Instead, people can go to Mission Services' Willow's Place or Night Link or YWCA's Carole Anne's Place, although only Willow's Place is open during the day, said a spokesperson in an email to CBC Hamilton. 

Residents are advised to stay indoors, the city says. If you have to go outside, dress in layers of dry clothing, protecting your face, ears, hands and feet, drink warm fluids, avoid caffeine and alcohol and avoid strenuous exercise. 

Snow has been falling on and off in Hamilton, Burlington and the Niagara region since Saturday morning. That's on top of the snowfall last weekend and overnight Wednesday.

All of southern Ontario was under a winter storm warning Sunday, with heavier snow expected over the Niagara Escarpment. 

Closures and cancellations

The City of Hamilton closed all programs and facilities including recreation centres and arenas due to the weather Sunday, it said in an update.

McMaster University said its campus was closed Sunday. 

All Hamilton libraries and the Royal Botanical Garden are also closed Sunday due to the weather, as well as Monday for Family Day. 

Burlington also closed its recreation facilities Sunday.

Niagara Falls said it had cancelled its public skating at the Gale Centre Sunday, along with recreation programs and swimming lessons at the MacBain Community Centre. Drop-in activities were still happening. 

The City of Hamilton said it was monitoring if Family Day programming Monday will be impacted. The city plans to keep open civic museums and the Tropical Green House at Gage Park, as well as a number recreation centres for drop-in programs and arenas for family skates. 

Festivals were also impacted this weekend.

Winterfest in Hamilton has closed its exhibits and activities on Sunday. Brantford's Winter Fun Fest planned for Family Day has been rescheduled to March 22.

Wilfried Laurier University's Brantford campus also rescheduled its 25th anniversary Purple and Gold Party to March 22. 

Other activities in Brantford for Family Day are still scheduled to take place, including a public swim and skate, $2 tours of the Bell Homestead National Historic Site and a pickleball tournament. 

Parking, snow clearing

St. Catharines issued 's'no parking restrictions' beginning Sunday afternoon, which prohibited on-street parking in most neighbourhoods so plows, emergency vehicles and public buses can get through. 

Residents should plan to not park on streets for at least four days, the city said in a news release. Those who don't comply may be ticketed $30 and have their vehicle towed. 

A map of areas that are exempt can be found here. 

Burlington and Niagara Falls also closed all on-street parking. 

Burlington closed its Downtown Transit Terminal and advised of bus delays and detours. 

Family Day closures

A number of buildings and services in Hamilton will be closed Monday for Family Day, including: 

• City administration offices.
• Green bin, blue box and garbage pick-up, which will all occur one day later.
• Community recycling centres.
• Transit customer service desks, including for ATS and HSR.
• DARTS trips except for dialysis appointments.
• City-run dental clinics.
• In-person traffic violation payments at the provincial courthouse.
• Public health vaccine records phone line.
• Van needle syringe program.
• Ontario Works special supports program.
• Licensing and by-law's phone line.
• Public libraries and the Bookmobile.

The city's customer contact centre remains open and can be reached at 905-546-2489.