Ottawa man freed after weeks trapped in snowed-in house

An Ottawa man was freed from his house Thursday night -- a house buried in a 'winter's worth' of snow -- after concerned neighbours contacted police.

The Ottawa Police reported that, upon arriving at the man's house to do a wellness check, they found snow piled high in the driveway, with no tracks or other signs of life.

When officers managed to clear a path into the home, they found the lone resident alive inside -- an elderly man police describe as a "recluse", who had been surviving on "whatever he had in the house" since the snow had trapped him within.

SEE ALSO: Minnesota judge issues restraining order against snow storm

The man, believed to be in his 70s, according to CBC News, was in good health and had just decided to "hunker down" after the snow and ice outside his house became insurmountable. Ottawa has reported 266 cm of snow so far this winter, more than 60 of which fell in February.

“He was quite thankful. My understanding is that he’s a recluse -- didn’t want to ask for help, which is difficult for some people to do,” Ottawa Police Staff Sergeant John Gibbons told CTV News.

Neighbours told CTV they rarely see the man, but became concerned when they returned from Florida and found the house surrounded by thick snow and ice.

The Ottawa Police Service helped to clear a path into the home, and say they will deliver groceries to the home, as well as putting the gentleman in contact with support services going forward.

“But I know after everything was said and done he was very happy with the officers, what they did for him," Gibbons added.

Images courtesy Ottawa Police Service.