SNOW and ICE CONTROL
In accordance with the Town's Municipal Snow Plowing, Sanding and De-Icing policy this page will inform you of snow and ice control measures to be taken by Town staff, residents and business owners in an effort to keep properties and travel as safe as possible.
Snow Removal
The priorities for road, facilities and sidewalk snow removal are as follows:
ROADS:
Plowing will commence when the depth of fallen snow reaches or is expected to reach 10 cm on Priority A Roads or when the road conditions are such that a lesser depth of snow is causing dangerous conditions. Priority is in the order outlined below which is based on the road classifications - view the Road Network Classifications map.
1.Priority A Roads:
- All Arterial and Major Collector Roads
- Downtown Core
- Roads accessing Town Facilities
2. Priority B Roads:
- All Minor Collector Roads
- Transit Routes
- Bike Routes
- School Zones (when school is in session, i.e. not at Christmas break or on weekends)
- Steep Hills
3. Priority C Roads: All roads not identified as Priority A or Priority B Roads
TOWN FACILITIES: Fire Hall, Town Hall, Community Centre, Municipal Works and other municipal facilities.
TRANSIT ROUTES: Those routes on which BC Transit operates regularly scheduled transit service. These routes do not include areas serviced by custom transit (HandyDART) services.
BIKE ROUTES: Those routes and lanes identified on the Bicycle Network map included in the Town’s Official Community Plan or roads with installed bike lanes.
SIDEWALKS: clearing shall be limited and as resources are available, in this order:
- Arterial and Major Collector Roads (along one side) and fronting Town owned properties.
- Other sidewalks along Arterial and Major Collector Roads.
Note: for sidewalks adjacent to a business or residence, see the clear sidewalks section below.
TRANSIT STOPS: clearing as time and resources permit (see Policy for details)
ON-STREET PARKING: performed in conjunction with snow clearing of the road (see Policy for details)
Plowing snow is a demanding job and our crews work around the clock.
In order to assist with the efficiency and safety, we ask the public to please:
- Limit Travel during severe weather.
- Do not Attempt to Pass a snow plow.
- Remove Vehicles Parked on Road. If you are able to move your car off the road, it will help our operators clear your street as quickly and efficiently as possible.
- Clear Sidewalks.
- As per the Town’s Street and Traffic Bylaw No.1358, the owner or occupier of any parcel of real property shall, not later than 10:00 a.m. every day, remove snow and ice from any sidewalk adjacent to such parcel for a distance that coincides with the parcel's property line and for the full width of the sidewalk.
- Do not shovel snow onto the road as this creates a traffic hazard and interferes with drainage of melting snow.
- Visit the Town's Snow Angels program webpage to learn about our pilot project for residents.
- Wait to Clear Driveways. Road plowing will result in a windrow of snow across driveway and business accesses. The Town suggests that you wait until plows have passed before clearing your driveway. Do not shovel snow onto the road as this creates a traffic hazard and interferes with drainage of melting snow.
- Clear Catch Basin (storm drain) Grates. Clearing snow from Catch Basin (storm drain) grates fronting your property will help drainage of melting snow and any rainfall ground water. View the Storm Mains and Catch Basins map.
- Clear Fire Hydrants. Clearing snow from Hydrants fronting your property will allow quick access if needed.
- Refrain from Calling the Town during snow events, unless it’s an emergency, as staff is busy clearing the roads in the priority order listed above.
Ice Control
Sanding and/or de-icing materials will be applied to roads where considered necessary based on the current and forecasted weather conditions.