MONTREAL — For over a decade, Montrealers have relied on the INFO-Neige app to dodge tow trucks and track snow plows in real-time. However, as of January 2026, the popular service is no longer free.
The City of Montreal has officially ended its financial support for the app, forcing its developers to shift to a subscription-based model. To access the app’s real-time alerts and tracking features, users must now pay a fee of $4.99 for a six-month subscription.
Why the Change?
The app was originally born out of a city-sponsored hackathon ten years ago and has been a staple for residents since the 2014-15 winter season. The partnership hit a roadblock when the city’s $75,000 annual contract expired in April 2025. City officials opted not to renew the agreement, leading to the current paywall.
Key Information for Residents
While the change has sparked backlash, it’s important to note how the landscape of snow-tracking has shifted:
- Paid Features: A $4.99/6-month or $9.99/year subscription is required for push notifications, saving “favorite” street segments, and real-time status updates.
- The Official Alternative: The City of Montreal is now urging residents to use the official 311 Montréal app, which remains free and offers similar real-time snow loading maps and notifications.
- Regional Availability: The paywall currently affects Montreal users. However, INFO-Neige continues to be free in other municipalities like Laval, Westmount, and Terrebonne, where local governments still provide financial backing.
Regardless of which app you use, city officials remind residents that physical orange signage on the streets always takes legal precedence over digital notifications.
