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Winter is on its way!

City reminds residents to prepare for upcoming storm season

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed November 9, 2020 1:00 PM

Summary

With cold and rainy weather, icy roads and possibly snow coming, it is a great time to start preparing for winter weather and storm conditions.

Around the Home

To help avoid flooding during heavy rain or melting snow, residents are asked to clear leaves and debris from catch basins at storm drains near their properties. In the event of snow, property owners or occupants are required to remove snow and ice from sidewalks in front of their properties within 24 hours, so that pedestrians have a safe place to walk and can stay clear of oncoming traffic. The City will clear sidewalks around parks, bridges, commuter trails and major City facilities as quickly as staff can get to them. Residents should also ensure they have supplies in the event of a major snow fall or power outage.

When in Nanaimo's Parks

Please use caution in Nanaimo's parks during stormy weather. Trails, boardwalks, bridges, stairs and playground equipment can become slippery and hazardous when there is rain, snow and ice. They can be littered with debris and even tree branches during and after wind storms. After a rain storm or a snow melt, rivers can experience high flow conditions, please exercise extreme caution when using trailways along riverbanks. To report any concerns or issues in Nanaimo's parks and trails, please call 250-756-5200 or email parksandrecreation@nanaimo.ca.

On the Roads

During a snowfall, the City's priority is to plow and maintain priority 1 routes, which are emergency routes and all major roads. Residential areas are typically plowed and maintained within 96 hours unless snow and icy conditions return plow crews back to priority 1 routes. Roads can become narrower as plows clear snow to the sides. To help, residents can park in their driveways, or on even sides of the road on even days, and on odd sides of the road on odd days.

Drivers must slow down and leave extra clearance for snow plows, salt trucks and ice equipment. Drivers should not pass when equipment is operating. For all methods of commuting, be extra alert, aware, be seen and stay safe in any inclement weather.

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.

Link to Strategic Plan: Ensuring residents are prepared for the winter storm season supports a Liveable Community.

Key Points

  • During the winter season, the City of Nanaimo focuses on maintaining good winter driving conditions in a priority order: Priority 1 routes - emergency routes and all major roads; Priority 2 routes - secondary roads; and Priority 3 routes - residential culs-de-sac and dead ends.
  • When snow plows and salt trucks are operating, drivers must keep back a safe distance and may not pass. To help plows clear a wider path on roads, residents can park in their driveways, or on even sides of the road on even days, and odd sides of the road on odd days.
  • Bylaw 5000, Section 22 (1) requires residents and businesses to clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours of a snowfall or freeze. Residents can also help minimize flooding by keeping the catch basins in front of their homes free of leaves, debris, snow and ice (if it is safe to do so).
  • When possible, residents are encouraged to stay home during times of heavy snow or icy roads.

Quotes

"Winter weather can be unpredictable. Each year the City prepares to address a number of storm scenarios through fleet maintenance, training and storing supplies, such as salt for the roads when there are snow and ice conditions and sand and sand bags in the event of flooding. Residents should also be prepared by clearing catch basins and drains around the outside of their homes to reduce the risk of flooding, making sure to have supplies in the event of a power outage and use extra caution when driving, cycling, rolling and walking in winter conditions."

John Elliot
Director, Public Works
City of Nanaimo

"We are fortunate to be able to enjoy our parks year-round. During winter storm season, City crews work to salt and clear debris from parks and trails as quickly as possible, but park visitors are urged to be aware of any conditions that may come as a result of the weather. This could be slippery trails and boardwalks or, if it is windy, falling debris and branches."

Charlotte Davis
Manager, Parks Operations
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • During an extreme weather event, stay informed by listening to your local radio stations, checking the City's website and social media sites for updates.
  • Stewart Avenue, Brechin Road, the Nanaimo Parkway (Highway 19) and the old Island Highway (19A), Pearson Bridge south and Brechin Rd north are maintained by the BC Ministry of Transportation Infrastructure. Please report any concerns or issues to 1-877-215-6006 or email midisland@mainroad.ca.
  • Nanaimo's Roads and Traffic Services is responsible for maintaining approximately 1,100 lane kms of paved streets.
  • Salt is only effective at melting ice down to -6 degrees Celsius. Brine (liquid salt solution) is used to prevent icing as well as preventing snow and ice from bonding to the road surface.

Videos

Cleaning Catch Basins - Here's How
Cleaning Catch Basins - Here's How
Snow & Catch Basins - Here's How
Snow & Catch Basins - Here's How
Snowplow Ride-Along - Insights
Snowplow Ride-Along - Insights
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Contact:

John Elliot
Director, Public Works
City of Nanaimo
250-758-5222

Print News Release

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