The City of Cambridge has officially declared a snow event in response to a significant winter storm that swept across southern Ontario on Monday, December 29, 2025. The declaration comes as Environment Canada issued multiple weather alerts for the region, warning of hazardous travel conditions and accumulating snow.
Winter Storm Impacts and Official Response
Municipal officials made the declaration at approximately 11:47 AM EST on December 29, 2025. A snow event triggers specific municipal bylaws, including parking restrictions on city streets to allow for efficient snow clearing operations. Residents are required to remove their vehicles from designated snow routes to avoid tickets and towing, ensuring plows can effectively clear the roads.
The storm system, which prompted alerts from Environment Canada for much of southern Ontario, brought a mix of precipitation, including snow and freezing rain, leading to slippery roads and reduced visibility. The declaration in Cambridge is a proactive measure to manage public safety and maintain essential services during the severe weather.
Widespread Power Outages Across Waterloo Region
Concurrently, the utility company Enova is investigating widespread power outages affecting thousands of customers across Waterloo Region. The outages, reported throughout the morning and afternoon, are believed to be linked to the severe weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy, wet snow placing strain on power lines and infrastructure.
Enova crews have been deployed to assess damage and restore electricity as quickly and safely as possible. The utility has advised residents to treat any downed power line as live and extremely dangerous, and to report outages directly through their customer service channels.
Broader Weather Context and Safety Advice
This winter event is part of a larger pattern affecting Eastern Canada, with Environment Canada reporting about 20 active weather warnings across the country for rain, snow, and extreme cold. The situation underscores the unpredictable and impactful nature of Canadian winter weather.
Local authorities are urging residents in Cambridge and the surrounding areas to exercise caution. Key recommendations include:
- Avoiding non-essential travel during the height of the storm.
- Allowing extra time and space if driving is necessary.
- Checking on vulnerable neighbours, such as the elderly.
- Preparing for potential extended power outages with emergency kits.
With the snow event now in effect, the City of Cambridge will prioritize clearing major arterial roads, bus routes, and emergency access lanes before moving into residential areas. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official city communications and local news sources for further developments on the storm response and power restoration efforts.
