We live in a residential area and we usually see quite a few cars parked in front of the apartment buildings across the street. 

This is one of the cars that was covered in snow after that snowfall we had on New Year’s Eve.

 

We were eating breakfast on the morning of New Year’s Day when my husband called my attention to the living room window and pointed out this guy trying to drive his car out of the street where he parked it overnight.  We watched this poor man try to get out off there but his front wheels just kept spinning in the same place.  He got out of the car and shoveled the snow under the wheels.  He tried to drive again but the wheels just kept getting deeper in the snow. He got out again and shoveled some more.   

My husband started laughing. “Instead of laughing, why don’t you go out there, help him, and give him a push?”  I said a little irritated because I pity the poor guy.  But that was just me trying to squabble with my husband.  Because after I said that, I went and got my camera and took a couple of shots.  Just a couple because I was worried that he might catch me taking his pictures and then give me the finger. He he he.  Why is it that we sometimes laugh when others are in trouble?  Well, anyway, he finally got the car moving after about ten minutes and we squealed a silent “Yehey!” (Hurrah) for his success. 

Parking on the side of the streets, especially on most residential areas, are allowed here in Winnipeg.  You just have to watch out for the signs, which indicate what times of the day and/or days of the week and how long you can park your vehicle.  Like the right side of the sign below. 

But also notice the left side of the sign.  That sign means that it is a snow route and you can not park there if there is an overnight parking ban, which is usually issued after a major snowfall. 

This is an excerpt from the Winnipeg Public Works website: 

Snow Route Overnight Parking Ban 

This parking ban is currently ON. 

“Winnipeg has a system of important routes designated as Snow Routes.  These routes typically carry high volumes of traffic and are particularly important to ensuring rapid movement of emergency vehicles such as Police, Fire and Ambulance. 

From December 1^st to March 1^st, parking on city streets designated as Snow Routes is prohibited between 2:00 am and 6:00 am.  This ban is in effect annually.  Snow Routes are clearly marked with signs similar to the one shown here. 

Violators may be ticketed.”  

Aside from the overnight ban, there is also a 

Major Snowfall Parking Ban 

“When major plowing is required on Snow Routes, the Director of Public Works may declare a Major Snowfall Parking Ban.  This ban prohibits any parking on Snow Routes between midnight and 6:00 am.  When declared, this ban will be announced on local radio stations and other news media. 

A Major Snowfall Parking Ban will normally only last one night, but may be extended as required. 

Violators may be ticketed and TOWED.” 

After that major snowfall we had on New Year’s Eve, a Major Snowfall Parking Ban was in effect for, I think, three days.  Yeah, it took that long to clear all the streets of Winnipeg.  And it cost the City $4 million to clear away all that snow.  Well, at least I know where part of my taxes went.