Montreal begins first snow-loading operation [Video]

Montrealers should prepare for the sound of heavy snow removal trucks scraping the sidewalks and streets of the city as the first snow-loading operation begins on Tuesday night.

“In view of the rising mercury, melting snow and possible accumulation of water, combined with the precipitation forecast for the next few days, the city has mobilized its crews to load the snow as quickly as possible and avoid any accumulation of water,” the city said in a news release.

Crews are currently clearing streets and spreading salt after the first major snowfall hit Montreal last week.

The city says the operation will employ around 3,000 people and 2,500 snow removal vehicles in the 10,000-kilometre road network.

Residents can monitor the progress on the city’s website or on the Info-neige app.

For those needing to find parking while their street is being cleared, the city has over 8,000 spaces that are available from 9 …