Name the Plow!

Each winter, City of Ottawa snowplows and their operators clear and treat over 13,000 lane kilometres of roadway, which includes Highway 174 and the Transitway, to help keep Ottawa moving during the winter season. Clearing that distance of snow is equivalent to driving from Halifax to Vancouver (and back) in a snowstorm! We believe our hardworking snowplows deserve names, so we are asking children and teens 16 and under in Ottawa to help name them.

Join us in celebrating our snowplows and their operators and their vital role in keeping our city moving by naming our plows!

Through Ottawa’s Name the Plow campaign, 24 City of Ottawa snowplows will be named by you.

Submit your name ideas between September 9 and September 30. Voting will take place between October 14 and October 21. Winning names will be announced at Transportation Committee on October 24 in time for the winter season!

To learn more about winter operations, visit the City’s Snow plowing and clearing page.

Join us in celebrating our snowplows and their operators and their vital role in keeping our city moving by naming our plows!

Through Ottawa’s Name the Plow campaign, 24 City of Ottawa snowplows will be named by you.

To learn more about winter operations, visit the City’s Snow plowing and clearing page.

Meet Ottawa's Snow Heroes: Discover the World of Mighty Snowplows!

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Discover the incredible world of Ottawa's snowplows and their operators! Did you know...
- These mighty machines weigh a whopping 25,000 kilograms – that is as heavy as four elephants!
- They stretch 23 feet long and tower 11 feet tall, so when you spot one on the road, remember to give it plenty of space.
- Operators have a blind spot (any areas around a vehicle that an operator cannot see) up to 50 meters, which is equivalent to the size of an Olympic swimming pool, it is crucial to avoid running, walking, or playing near the snowplows to stay safe. Remember, if you cannot see the operator, they cannot see you either.
- Wearing bright colors while playing in the snow helps snowplow operators spot you.
As winter approaches, it is important to stay safe around Ottawa's snowplows and sidewalk plows. Here are some essential tips to remember:
- Flashing blue lights: When you see a snowplow or sidewalk plow with flashing blue lights, it means their operators are hard at work. Please step aside into an open driveway if a snowplow or sidewalk plow is approaching.
- Keep your distance: Remind your parents to always stay at least three car lengths behind our vehicles and never attempt to pass them.
- Wave from a distance: It is exciting to watch snowplows in action, and it is important to stay a safe distance away. Always wave to our operators from a safe distance and never approach working vehicles.
- Wear bright colours: This allows snowplow operators to see you when you are outside playing in the snow.
- Build snow forts in the backyard: Snow forts should never be built along the road where our snowplow operators are working.
  
  Covering an area of 2,796 km², larger than Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton combined, Ottawa's snowplows and their operators are the unsung heroes. Each winter, these champions clear and treat over 13,000 lane kilometres of roadway, which includes Highway 174 and the Transitway – that is like driving from Halifax to Vancouver and back in a snowstorm!
For more information, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Name the Plow Campaign

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Children and teens 16 and under, this is for you!
Get ready for the exciting launch of our "Name the Plow" campaign! You have the chance to help name 24 City of Ottawa snowplows. This campaign promotes snowplow safety awareness among Ottawa's children and youth and adds a dash of fun to the winter season.
Here's how you can participate:
- Name submission period: September 9 - 30
- Voting period: October 14 - 21
- Winning names announcement: October 24 at Transportation Committee
Join the Campaign! Name 24 of Ottawa’s Snowplows:

Here's your chance to make history by naming one of 24 of Ottawa's snowplows! If you're under 16, submit your creative names for our "Name the Plow" campaign. Whether you’re a fan of puns, local legends, or winter-themed names, we want your creativity to shine through. We can't wait to see what you come up with!

But wait, there’s more!
Your participation doesn’t have to end on October 24! If you are looking to help your neighbours, consider becoming a Snow Angel this winter! The Snow Angel program encourages residents to assist elderly neighbors or those with disabilities by clearing snow or ice from their driveways, steps, or walkways. For more information on the Snow Angel Program, visit Ottawa.ca.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.