Snow events declared in Kitchener and Waterloo, parking banned overnight Wednesday

Both Kitchener and Waterloo have declared a "snow event," and are reminding everyone to move their cars off of city streets before midnight Wednesday or risk a ticket and tow.

Officials said the snow and rain accumulation means crews need to clear city streets over the next 24 hours.

Under the city's "tag and tow" bylaw, people are not allowed to park their cars on city streets during so-called snow events.

The parking ban remains in effect for 24 hours.

Vehicles cannot be parked between 11:59 p.m. Wednesday and 11:59 p.m. Thursday, unless the cities lift the ban early.

Those in violation risk a ticket of $80 as well as a tow at the owner's expense, Kitchener officials said.

Bylaw enforcement staff will be called out to places where vehicles are parked on the road and are blocking snow-removal equipment.

City officials said vehicles are not ticketed or towed based on tips from the public.

Vehicles that are ticketed and towed are moved to nearby areas when possible and practical, officials said.

Guelph also said a residential plow out was underway Wednesday afternoon. It started at 12 p.m. and was expected to continue to Thursday at noon. 

The city also asked people to move their vehicles off the streets so the plows could properly clear the snow.