HomePage / Your Government / News & Events / Significant snowfall blankets Nanaimo

Significant snowfall blankets Nanaimo

City crews clearing priority routes, garbage/recycling collection cancelled

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed February 11, 2019 12:57 PM

Summary

The weather forecasters have been calling for snow for a few days, and yesterday Mother Nature delivered the heaviest snowfall of the season to the Nanaimo area with more snow expected today.

On the roads, City crews have been clearing snow focusing on priority routes such as main roads and emergency routes. With the break in snowfall, they will focus on secondary routes and, if it doesn't snow again, will move onto tertiary routes. Winter driving conditions continue on Nanaimo roads with packed snow and ice surfaces on main routes and secondary routes. Motorists are reminded to drive with extreme care, stay well back from snowplows and avoid driving unless necessary.

City sanitation crews have been reassigned to clearing roads and will not be collecting garbage, organics and recycling Monday, February 11, 2019. Residents who have collection scheduled for today are asked to bring carts back from the curb so plows can clear the roads.

In City parks and facilities, crews are out clearing walkways into City buildings, downtown sidewalks with City-owned properties (including Maffeo Sutton Park) and the E&N Trail as first priorities. The public is reminded that trails, boardwalks, bridges, stairs and playground equipment can become slippery and hazardous when there is snow and ice. Please take care and walk with caution through the City's parks.

To report any concerns or issues in Nanaimo's parks and trails, please contact Nanaimo Parks & Recreation at 250-756-5200 or email parksandrecreation@nanaimo.ca. To stay updated on City-related snowfall announcements, please check www.nanaimo.ca or follow CityofNanaimo on Facebook and Twitter.

Link to Strategic Plan: Taking responsibility to be an excellent municipal government.

Key Points

  • City crews are clearing roads 24 hours per day with emergency routes and arterial roads being the priority. The City plows priority routes first. These consist of emergency routes and arterial roads. Secondary roads such as collector routes will be cleared after the priority routes are cleared. Residential streets and culs-de-sac are targeted to be cleared within 96 hours of snowfall.
  • Residents who have garbage collection scheduled for today will have the opportunity to place an extra bag (up to 50 lbs) during their scheduled collection on February 26. Extra City personnel will be on-hand to collect the extra bag.
  • Pools, arenas and recreation facilities remain open. All Play & Learn Programs (both AM & PM) are cancelled. Phone 250-756-5200 for updates on other registered recreation programs. Some may be cancelled based on instructor availability.
  • Residents and businesses are reminded to clear their sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall.

Quotes

"We saw more snow on the island than was predicted and crews have been working around the clock to clear priority routes. Now that there is a break in the snow, we are focusing on secondary routes and finally, local residential streets. If we get another snowfall, attention shifts back to priority routes, leaving residential and side-streets unattended potentially for several days. The City thanks residents in advance for their patience. Drivers are urged to use extra caution and to be prepared for slippery surfaces."

Bill Sims
Director, Engineering and Public Works
City of Nanaimo

"We want to encourage all users of our facilities, parks and trails to use caution and to be aware of the conditions that come as a result of this snowy weather. We will continue to monitor the conditions and make decisions for possible facility closures and program cancellations as the situation unfolds."

Richard Harding
Director, Parks and Recreation
City of Nanaimo

Videos

Public Works: Snow Plow Priority Routes
Public Works: Snow Plow Priority Routes
-30-

Contact:

David Myles
Manager, Roads and Traffic Services
City of Nanaimo
250-755-5303
Richard Harding
Director, Parks and Recreation
City of Nanaimo
250-755-7516

Print News Release

Is there anything wrong with this page?

Help us improve our website

Don't include private or financial information in this form.
Collection and use of your personal information

Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Questions about the collection of your personal information may be referred to the Legislative Services Department at 250-755-4405, or via email at foi@nanaimo.ca. Please also see our Privacy Policy.