Montreal is making significant progress in snow removal efforts, with 51 percent of the 2025 metropolitan area now clear. This is according to the city’s snow platform which monitors snow removal activities. The latest report highlights the variations in progress across different districts, as operations continue to tackle the record-breaking snowfall from earlier this month.

Posted on February 22 at 9:48 p.m.

The operations would be particularly advanced in the districts of Pierrefonds-Roxboro (69 %), Lachine (67 %), Anjou (64 %) and Montreal-Nord (62 %). On the other hand, the collection would be less advanced in Ahuntsic-Cartierville (39 %), Outremont (39 %) and Lasalle (40 %). Reported by a city spokesperson. This indicates a notable disparity in the efficiency of snow removal efforts, with some districts faring better than others.

Pac devez, City Manager of Montreal, commented on the current progress and future operations, stating, “On Saturday, the City estimated that the operations would be completed in an additional nine days, unless a break in equipment or an accident occur. In the meantime, we are urging communities to assist by following local safety protocols and minimizing recreational skis.”

Montreal experienced an unprecedented snowfall between February 13 and 16, with a total accumulation of 72.4 centimeters—an amount not seen since 1898. In comparison, the entire month of January saw 40 centimeters of snow, highlighting the severity of the recent storms. This historic snowfall has significantly disrupted daily life, prompting the city to implement robust snow removal protocols akin to those observed in exceptionally snowy regions of the U.S. such as the Finger Lakes or New England.

The recent East-Central weather climate has set it to bring more snow and rain into the city on Thursday, but after studying the probabilities, Montreal officials believe there to be an unlikely probability of snow based on the corresponding pressure zones and the consultation with Environment Canada. But for now, residents have a sigh of relief as meteorologists predict upcoming days without precipitation.

The city has implemented various measures to facilitate snow removal, including the deployment of additional resources and the coordination of efforts across various departments. These efforts aim to restore normalcy as quickly as possible, though the timeline remains tentative due to possible weather-related challenges and rebound flakes.

“Schools, hospitals and emergency services will be prioritized to ensure speedy, efficient access for essential services and protect the younger and elderly.”

Says Julia Clement, assistant city administrator.

Neither melting ridges nor soil beds offer solutions to speed the process up, nor can they be placed along school bus routes, waterways or rainwater runoff channels.

To maintain a reliable residential surface without falling snow, the Montreaux administration has initially declared cities homeowner’s, rural partners and organized merchants top priority. However, officials urge residents to stay off the streets. This is extremely important because drivers and pedestrians may face treacherous conditions in some areas, particularly those not yet cleared. Throughout the city, 300 county, state and private snowplows work 24 hours per day.

For residents concerned about the ongoing snow removal efforts, the city has set up a dedicated hotline and online resource center. This initiative aims to provide up-to-date information, offer real-time updates on progress, and support with any issues or emergencies reported by residents. In a recent public response, Mayor Nicolette Duclair praised the collective effort, stating, “This monumental task can only be accomplished through our community’s cooperation and unwavering support. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all our residents during these challenging times.”

What’s Next for Montreal?

As Montreal continues to grapple with the aftermath of this historic snowfall, the city’s resilience and preparedness will be tested. The progress of these efforts remains a testament to the city’s forward-thinking strategy by deploying efficient and coordinated snow removal efforts that promote public safety and keep essential services accessible.

Montreal’s experience serves as a valuable case study for other major cities, including U.S. metropolitan areas that routinely face significant snowfall. Sharing and transferring knowledge from this event can shed light on effective strategies to manage and minimize which can be adopted to manage future snow-related challenges. Districts like Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, NY, and Marquette, MI, regularly experience hurdles when it comes to clearing problematic unpredictable drifts.

The Innovation: Plow- Inspection Cams

In addition to the mentioned strategies, cutting-edge technology is being implemented to bolster Montreal’s snow removal efforts. City plow trucks are now equipped with specialized cameras and sensors, enhancing visibility and efficiency. An intricate series of cameras, called Nassau County’s “The EYES” system, simulates the driver’s view, allowing central directors to precisely remove slights without superfluous safer circulation.

The city’s response to this extreme weather event underscores the importance of proactive planning and cooperation, ensuring that residents and merchants alike receive the necessary support to navigate through chilling snow drifts for continued safety and efficiency.

The city of Montreal’s dedicated team and citizens continue to closely monitor the recovery situation and implement any changes required. As the city prepares for potential future weather events, the lessons learned from this exceptional event will continue to guide planning and preparedness efforts, helping to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather. Future predictions based on historical weather data are fair grounds, but no one can definitively predict what we will encounter in the upcoming months or years. Unfortunately, evenings with large accumulations are not limited a campaigns aside.

In summary, the historic snowfall in Montreal presents both challenges and learning opportunities. The city’s proactive approach to snow removal and its commitment to public safety stand as a testament to its resilience and preparedness, offering a valuable model for cities facing similar weather-related challenges.