CAMBRIDGE, Ont. — The City of Cambridge says it continues to deploy significant resources to manage challenging winter weather conditions, as fluctuating temperatures, snowfall and freezing rain create persistent issues on local roads and sidewalks.
In an update issued Jan. 8, the City of Cambridge said plows and salt trucks have been operating consistently across the municipality, with city staff working around the clock to respond to higher-than-usual volumes of resident inquiries related to snow and ice removal.
Municipal officials noted that rapidly changing temperatures have contributed to icy conditions, even on roads that have already been treated. Periods of freezing rain combined with snow and slush have created additional challenges for winter maintenance crews, and the city warned that some roadways may continue to experience icy patches despite ongoing efforts.
The city said the early and prolonged onset of winter weather this season has required sustained snow, slush and ice removal across Cambridge’s road network. During snow events, crews prioritize main roads, secondary roads and emergency routes, as well as hills and bridges, to maintain safe travel conditions and support emergency services.
To support these efforts, Cambridge is supplementing its use of road salt with locally available winter sand. The city said this approach reflects standard practice among many Ontario municipalities, particularly in light of current constraints on the availability of road salt across the province.
“Public safety remains a top priority and we will make every effort to keep Council and the public informed of any developments relating to weather, travel, or supply updates,” said Rob Axiak, City Manager for Cambridge. “Residents are encouraged to exercise caution while travelling, to keep roads clear of parked vehicles during snow events, to allow additional travel time and to please be patient while we work to respond to ongoing and lengthy periods of snow and ice.”
The city reported receiving feedback from more than 1,370 residents regarding snow-related concerns since the start of the season. Common issues raised include uncleared sidewalks, snow-covered residential streets and difficulties caused by vehicles parked during snow events.
To address these concerns and improve access to information, the city has published responses to its five most frequently received winter maintenance requests. Officials say the goal is to help residents quickly find answers and better understand how and when winter services are delivered.
Residents can request winter road maintenance support through the Service Cambridge Portal, while by-law concerns can also be submitted online. The city’s website includes detailed winter maintenance guidelines and a list of declared snow events. In addition, Cambridge continues to share snow event parking restrictions through its social media channels and says it will increase communication around road conditions throughout the remainder of the winter season.
City by-law officers have also been actively enforcing snow event parking regulations to ensure streets remain accessible for plows and emergency vehicles. Between Nov. 28, 2025, and Jan. 6, 2026, officers issued 2,631 snow event tickets across the city.
Breaking down enforcement activity further, the city reported that 681 tickets were issued during snow events from Nov. 28 to Nov. 30, while 338 tickets were issued between Dec. 10 and Dec. 12. From Dec. 28 to Dec. 31, by-law officers issued 1,315 tickets and carried out 11 vehicle tows. Since Jan. 5, an additional 297 tickets have been issued, along with three tows.
In addition to parking enforcement, the city has tracked service requests related to snow and sidewalk conditions. From Nov. 28, 2025, to Jan. 6, 2026, Cambridge received 212 corridor snow and sidewalk service requests. Of those, 23 resulted in tickets being issued for failure to remove snow and ice from sidewalks, the city said.
Municipal officials acknowledged the frustration residents have expressed about winter conditions and emphasized that crews will continue working through ongoing and often prolonged periods of snow and ice. The city said it is asking for patience as staff respond to weather events that can vary significantly in severity and duration.
As winter conditions persist, the City of Cambridge said it remains focused on maintaining public safety, keeping critical routes open and improving communication with residents as it manages the impacts of an active winter season.
