The City of Kingston, Ontario, declared a Significant Weather Event on January 26, 2026, after Environment Canada issued a Yellow-level snowfall warning forecasting 20 to 35 centimetres of snow. The declaration means city crews will need more time than usual to clear roads and sidewalks, and officials are asking residents to stay off the streets to help with cleanup.
To make sure plows can move freely, the City of Kingston is strictly enforcing its overnight parking ban; on city streets parking is prohibited from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. (streets surrounding Kingston General Hospital may be restricted from 12 a.m. to 7 a.m.). City officials say keeping cars off the road is vital for plow operators to clear paths for emergency services and main hospital routes. Because the storm is significant, smaller residential streets may take longer than usual to be reached by crews.
For those needing a safe place to stay warm, the Artillery Park Aquatic Centre warming centre has extended operations to a 24-hour service through Thursday morning (Jan. 29). The city says partner organizations, including Home Base Housing and Lionhearts Inc., and staff from Housing & Social Services and Recreation & Leisure Services are on site to provide food and supports to vulnerable residents during the freezing weather.
Motorists are being encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel as snowfall rates could reach up to 6 centimetres per hour at the peak of the storm, according to Environment Canada. The city says it is operating at surge capacity under its Winter Services Response Plan to ensure the community remains safe while responding to the season’s first significant yellow‑level storm.
