Ottawa storm: Suburban residents make the most of snow day

A powerful snowstorm has left suburban streets buried, forcing residents to dig out before they could get on with their day.

For Lori, the morning commute meant trudging through deep snow to the bus stop and regretting her choice of footwear.

IN PICTURES: Winter storm hits Ottawa

“It’s really bad,” she said. “It’s impossible. I’m really suffering, but I’m not even wearing winter boots so it’s kind of my fault.”

Andrew Lefebvre, however, came prepared for his walk to work, with a set of old-fashioned, wooden snowshoes.

“Well, getting to work, you know, as you do, and there’s a snowstorm,” he said. “It was fine. It’s a little uneven, but it’s good enough. It gets you there a bit faster than walking in the deep snow.”

The heavy snowfall has left many struggling to clear their properties.

“You’re looking at a possible heart attack trying to move some of this stuff and get these snowbanks knocked down,” said Kanata resident Michael Francis. “I hope the neighbours out that don’t have a snow service and some of them are seniors and just can’t clear their driveways. I usually get about half a dozen or a little more in. It’s a good neighborhood. The neighbours are very nice, and I like to help them out.”

32 cm of snow pummels Ottawa, more snow on the way this weekend

In Barrhaven, Allen Sexton was also working the snow blower before heading to his job.

“Oh, it’s great ... I mean not great, but it gets out of bed in the morning I guess,” said Sexton. “I am self-employed so if you don’t work, you don’t get paid.”\

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