It will take 8 days to clear snow in Montreal after 2 massive storms

There will be no collections pickup in Montreal this week after two massive snowstorms, just days apart, dumped more than 70 cm of snow on the city.

The city could be snowed in for about a week, officials say, as snow clearing operations will take up to eight days to be completed.

“We’re asking everyone to keep your garbage, brown bin, recycling at home and wait for next week,” said Philippe Sabourin, a spokesperson for the City of Montreal, on Monday.

• Quebec senior buried under snow rescued by police officers, neighbours

He implored Montrealers not to put any garbage bags on the snow as they could freeze and slow down the snow removal process.

“It’s going to be a long process. We need the collaboration of everyone. If there’s a no parking sign, move your car,” said Sabourin. “Please be kind. Help your neighbours, especially the elderly or people with physical limitations.”

Though most roads have been cleared of snow, he points out that about half of the sidewalks have yet to be cleaned.

“We have more than 40 cm of snow on the ground,” he said. “Those huge piles of snow will have to be grabbed. We got, in less than five days, almost 40 per cent of all the snow we usually get in the winter.”

Residents are being asked to work from home if they can and limit their travels in the days ahead so snow removal crews can do their jobs.

“I’m aware that this isn’t easy for many people. I want to reassure you: we are doing everything in our power to cope with this exceptional situation,” Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante wrote on X. “I would also like to thank the employees of the City of Montreal, who have been working for several days to ensure the safety of all Montrealers.”

Blowing snow

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says the snow days last Thursday and Sunday were not record-breaking snowfalls on their own.

However, it was the most snow ever recorded in a four-day period in Montreal since record-keeping began in 1941, according to Gina Ressler, an Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist.

North of Montreal, snow removal operations could take up to 10 days, with the City of Laval saying nearly 80 centimetres of snow fell in four days.

About 650 employees are working to clear the more than 4,735 kilometres of roads.

As such, drivers are being asked to follow street parking signage and park on the correct side of the street.

The city was hit by 34 cm of snow last Thursday and 40 cm on Sunday.

As a result, numerous schools and daycares were closed on Monday.