City reminds residents to start preparing for winter weather

Summary

With the winter season approaching, the City of Nanaimo would like to remind residents now is the time to start preparing for winter weather conditions.

The City's priority is to plough and maintain major roads, including emergency and bus routes first. Residential areas are ploughed and maintained within 96 hours unless snow and icy conditions return crews back to major routes. Property owners or occupants are required to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours. The City does clear sidewalks around parks, bridges, main bus stops and major City facilities. Drivers are also encouraged to have winter tires installed on their vehicles.

Residents are urged to be careful and use caution when using trails, boardwalks, stairs, and bridges and when around high flowing rivers and streams. Many of Nanaimo's trails and even playground equipment can become wet and slippery this time of year. In addition to the low temperatures and winter rains, broken branches and other debris, and the darker evenings can also make the ground slippery and hard to see.

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

Key Points

  • Major roads, including emergency and bus routes will be ploughed first, then residential areas with collector roads being ploughed first followed by cul-de-sacs and dead ends.
  • Property owners and occupants are required to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours.
  • To report a concern or make a suggestion regarding snow and ice control please contact the City of Nanaimo Public Works department at 250-758-5222 or public.worksinfo@nanaimo.ca.
  • To report concerns or issues in the parks and on the trails please contact the City of Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Environment department as 250-756-5200 or askpre@nanaimo.ca.

Quotes

"Our goal is to maintain good winter driving conditions on all major roads, including emergency and bus routes in Nanaimo. Drivers should use extra caution and be prepared for winter driving conditions."

Manager of Roads and Traffic Services
City of Nanaimo

"Winter can bring unexpected weather patterns which can create dangerous conditions in our parks and trails. Please use caution, watch for slippery sections, any fallen branches or debris and high flowing rivers or streams."

Manager, Parks Operations
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • Nanaimo's Roads and Traffic Services is responsible for maintaining approximately 1,100 kms of paved streets and lanes.
  • Motorists should consider getting their vehicles prepared for heavy rain, snow and ice conditions; exercise extra caution on the roads and watch for and keep their distance from snow plows and salt trucks.
  • Salt is only effective at melting ice up to -6 degrees Celsius.
  • When possible, try to park on the odd numbered side of the street on odd numbered days and on the even numbered side of the street on even numbered days to allow the City to plough the streets to maximum width.
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Contact:

Brian Denbigh
Manager of Roads and Traffic Services
City of Nanaimo
250-758-5222
Jesse Tranburg
Turf & Parks Supervisor
City of Nanaimo
250-755-7543

Print News Release

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