Winter Parking Bylaws: What You Need to Know Before the Snow Falls
Winter in the Kitchener‑Waterloo area isn’t just about snow angels and hot cocoa—it also means big changes for street parking. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just settling into your home here, knowing how parking restrictions work can save you headaches, tickets, and towed cars.
Here’s your local guide to overnight parking restrictions, snow events, fines, and how to stay alert when the plows roll in.
1. Overnight Street Parking Restrictions
City of Kitchener
Between December 1 and March 31, overnight street parking (2:30 a.m.–6:00 a.m.) is restricted.
You can request an overnight parking exemption for a legal spot during that period. Your licence plate gets up to five exemptions per season.
Exemptions must be requested online before 2 a.m. the night of.
City of Waterloo
Overnight parking on residential streets is not permitted between 2:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. year‑round unless you register.
Registered vehicles can receive up to 15 overnight exemptions per licence plate per year (when no snow event is declared).
2. Snow Events & Street Parking Bans
Both cities issue snow event declarations when significant snow accumulation or winter storms are expected. During these bans:
Parking on all city streets is prohibited, until the event is cancelled.
In Kitchener, the ticket for parking during a snow event is $80 (and your car may be towed).
In Waterloo, the same ban applies; vehicles must be off the street by midnight once the event is declared.
Tip: Sign up for alerts from your city to get notified when a snow event is declared—early warning helps avoid tickets and towing.
3. How to Get Alerts & Stay Informed
City of Kitchener publishes snow event declarations via website posts and social media.
City of Waterloo encourages residents to register for the “Alert Waterloo Region” service for weather & parking notifications.
Bookmark the snow‑clearing / parking pages for your city and check regularly during winter.
4. Fines & Consequences
Parking on the street during a snow event in Kitchener or Waterloo = $80+ ticket (plus possible towing/storage fees) if you’re blocking snow‑removal efforts.
Using more exemptions than permitted (or parking illegally even with an exemption) can result in additional citations.
5. Your Winter Parking Checklist
If you don’t have access to a driveway, request your overnight exemption early (Kitchener: Dec 1–Mar 31; Waterloo: register for up to 15 nights).
Watch for snow‑event announcements and move your vehicle as soon as a ban is declared.
On streets with no overnight permit zones, plan ahead for alternate parking.
Sign up for your city’s weather & parking alert system—you’ll thank yourself later!
After a snowfall, avoid parking or shovelling into the street—that could trigger a ticket or complicate plowing operations.
Living in KW means colder winters, but being “in the know” about winter parking rules takes a huge weight off your mind (and wallet). Follow these rules, stay alert when the storms hit, and you’ll keep your car safe, your street clear, and your neighbourhood plows rolling smoothly.
Need help with a move during winter, or finding a home with better parking or garage access? I’ve got you covered!