City reminds residents to be prepared for winter weather

Summary

With the winter season upon us, the City of Nanaimo would like to remind residents to be prepared 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

"The forecast has predicted some snow is coming our way so we want to make sure residents are prepared for it. We also encourage drivers to use extra caution and be prepared for winter driving conditions."

Manager of Roads and Traffic Operations
City of Nanaimo

"During winter months, park users should be mindful that trails and walkways may be slippery and littered with debris. Also, please also use caution when approaching waterways as they may be fast flowing and higher than normal."

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:

David Myles
Manager of Roads and Traffic Operations
City of Nanaimo
250-756-5303
Al Britton
Manager, Park Operations
City of Nanaimo
250-755-7505

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