Winter Weather Update

Last Updated: January 26, 2026 at 1:30 pm

Clean-Up Efforts

Our crews are out clearing roads and sidewalks in priority sequence in accordance with established winter maintenance standards. We thank you for your patience and cooperation.

• Main Sidewalks: Plowed and salted
• Secondary Sidewalks: Plowed and salted
• Rural Gravel: Plowing in progress
• Urban Asphalt: First round of plowing complete
• Rural Asphalt: First round of plowing complete
• The City's Senior and Persons with Disabilities Snow Clearing Program will begin at approximately 2 pm on Monday, January 26.

Visit pickering.ca/SnowClearing for order of operations, important reminders, and more.

Service Disruptions

Monday, January 26, 2026

1. All City of Pickering recreation programs operating under the Community Use of Schools are cancelled this evening (Monday, January 26) from 6 pm to 10 pm, due to the Durham District School Board and Durham Catholic School Board Closures. 

This includes activities at the following sites:

• Highbush Public School
• Pine Ridge Secondary School
• St. Mary Catholic High School

Programs are expected to resume as scheduled on Tuesday, January 27 at 6 pm.

2. Temporary Emergency Road Closure for a portion of Guild Road (from January 26 until further notice).

An emergency road closure is in effect due to a suspected sump pump failure (fronting 1968 Guild Road), that has caused ice to accumulate on the roadway, creating hazardous driving conditions. 

Properties with addresses from 1961 to 1968 remain accessible via Kingston Road, while properties with addresses from 1969 to 1995 can be accessed via Finch Avenue.

Customer Care Centre

905.683.7575
customercare@pickering.ca

Please note that the Customer Care Centre and after-hours service may experience higher-than-normal call volumes during periods of severe winter weather.

Power Outages and Restoration Resources – Elexicon Energy

• Elexicon Energy is Pickering’s electrical service provider 
• Outage map: https://elexiconenergy.com/outages
• Report outages: 24-hour Outage Hotline 1.866.579.6819
• Additional outage safety resources available on the Elexicon website 

Safety Tips:

• Stay clear of downed power lines. Always assume they are live. Stay back at least 10 metres (33 feet) – the length of a school bus.
• Do not attempt to remove trees or debris from power lines.
• If a power line contacts your vehicle, stay inside and call 9-1-1.
• Use flashlights, not candles, to reduce fire risk.
• Operate portable generators outdoors only, at a safe distance from doors, windows, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Turn off or unplug major appliances and portable heaters. This helps prevent fire risk or damage when power is restored.
• Charge your mobile devices in advance and check on vulnerable neighbours, family, and friends.
• Additional safety information is available at Ontario.ca. 

By-law Reminders

• Parking is prohibited on all streets between 2 am and 5 am (December 1st to March 31st), and during all winter control operations. Fine: $50
• Avoid parking on City streets during snow clearing operations to support safe and efficient service. Fine: $90 
• Enforcement activities continue proactively throughout the winter season. 

Warming Centre

The City’s Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex is a designated warming centre during cold weather warnings. Leashed pets are welcome provided they are well controlled by their owner.

Location: Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex (1867 Valley Farm Road)
Hours of Operation:

- Monday to Friday from 6 am to 11 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

While not designated as official warming centres, East Shore Community Centre and George Ashe Library & Community Centre remain open until 5:00 pm on Sunday, January 25, 2026, providing a warm indoor space for visitors.

Emergency Overnight Warming Centre

Operated by DARS, in partnership with the Region of Durham

Location: Peace Lutheran Church (928 Liverpool Road)
Hours: Every night from 9 pm to 8 am (except Fridays: 10 pm to 8 am) 

The centre is operating nightly until March 31, 2026.

Province-Wide Salt Shortage

Like many municipalities across Ontario, the City of Pickering is experiencing a province-wide road salt shortage following several heavy snowfalls early in the winter season. While the City maintains a reserve of salt, it must be used carefully to help ensure supply lasts through the remainder of the winter as additional supply is explored.

To support conservation efforts while maintaining safe travel conditions, staff will make temporary adjustments to winter maintenance operations. Plowing typically begins once approximately 5 centimetres of snow has accumulated, with crews focusing on major roads and emergency routes during active snowfall. Rather than applying salt early in a storm, salt may be applied later when conditions allow it to be most effective. Post-storm cleanup continues following snowfall events.

In some locations, a blend of salt, sand, or other de-icing materials may be used. This approach can improve traction and help extend available salt supplies; as a result, residents may notice more sand on roads and sidewalks.

These measures reflect practices being used across Ontario in response to current supply conditions. Winter operations will continue to be adjusted as needed based on weather, road conditions, and available materials.