A “significant weather event” declared in Mississauga on Wednesday afternoon in the wake of winter’s latest blast means it’ll likely take longer to clear snow and ice from some parts of the city.

City of Mississauga officials said they made the weather declaration at 2 p.m. in response to a winter storm warning issued earlier by Environment and Climate Change Canada.

The nasty winter weather moved into southern Ontario on Wednesday morning, bringing with it mixed precipitation that included snow, ice pellets and freezing rain.

City officials said mid-afternoon that maintenance crews were out applying salt to major roads, residential streets, sidewalks and bus stops.

“In accordance with the province’s Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways, Mississauga has declared a Significant Weather Event … due to the ‘Yellow Warning — Winter Storm’ issued by Environment Canada,” city officials said in a notice posted to social media. “The hours of operation for winter maintenance will be extended to assist in cleanup. Service level timing will start once the declaration is lifted and the snow has stopped.”

Winter maintenance crews operated by the city usually clear all roads within 36 hours, depending on how much snow falls or how much freezing rain accumulates. However, the declaration of a “significant weather event” extends that timeline as snow-clearing equipment and operators focus on keeping the major routes clear during potentially hazardous travel conditions.

An Environment Canada “yellow warning,” the most common issued by the national weather agency, means:

Hazardous weather may cause damage, disruption or health impacts.
Impacts are moderate, localized and/or short-term.

Mississauga officials remind residents that during heavy snowfalls they are not to park on the streets as doing so impedes snowplows.

In accordance with the Province’s Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways, Mississauga has declared a Significant Weather Event effective Wed. Feb. 18, 2026, at 2:00 pm due to the “Yellow Warning – Winter Storm” issued by Environment Canada.

The hours of operation… pic.twitter.com/WdN4rZvoB3

— Mississauga Snow (@MississaugaSnow) February 18, 2026

(Cover photo: City of Mississauga X)


INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies

Last 30 Days: 64,767 Votes

All Time: 1,229,642 Votes

2866 VOTES
Should bike lanes stay or be removed?

WIN A $100 GIFT CARD

Subscribe to INsauga’s daily email newsletter for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.