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Residents encouraged to prepare for more snow, changing weather systems

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed December 22, 2022 10:00 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo is encouraging residents to prepare for an upcoming series of winter weather systems.

Snow is forecast to begin overnight Thursday, Dec. 22 and will transition into rain or freezing rain on Friday. The combination of freezing temperatures mixed with rain may make for very icy conditions on roads. The weather system will change to heavy rain throughout the weekend and into Boxing Day (Monday, Dec. 26), which will create the potential for road flooding and flooding in and around homes.

The City encourages residents to prepare by gathering essentials, such as food, medications, personal needs and other critical supplies, and have them on hand in the case of power outages or the weather prevents them from leaving their homes. Residents are also asked to help prevent flooding by clearing any catch basins or storm drains in front of their homes and businesses. If flooding occurs, sand and sand bags for filling (bring a shovel and ties) are available at the Public Works yard. To report flooding, please call Public Works 24-hour hotline at 250-758-5222.

City crews will be working around the clock to deal with road conditions, obstructed roads and flooding. In additions, our partners at BC Hydro have crews on stand-by in the event of power outages.

The City continues to monitor conditions to allow for the safe solid waste collection services. With weather and ice conditions, delays and or adjustments to garbage collection schedules can be expected. The City will be updating its website and the Nanaimo Recycles app. Residents may download the Nanaimo Recycles app for free from the App Store or Google Play.

In City parks and facilities, crews will be out clearing walkways into City buildings, downtown sidewalks adjacent to 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. Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Culture will provide updates on any recreation facility closures and program cancellations.

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.

Please watch the City website, Facebook page and Twitter feed along with local radio stations (102.3 The Wave, 106.9 The Wolf) for up-to-date information. Public Works is currently receiving high call volumes, please only make a call if the matter is an emergency. For non-emergency matters, please email publicworksinfo@nanaimo.ca. For up-to-date information on public transit, follow @RDN_Transit on Twitter.

Visit our Snow and Ice Control page for information on the City's response to snow and what residents and commuters can do to stay safe.

Link to Strategic Plan: n/a

Key Points

  • When possible, residents are encouraged to stay home during times of heavy snow or icy roads.
  • Residents are advised to use extreme care in icy or flooded conditions. If you are able to, please clear catchbasins in front of your home to help prevent flooding.
  • The City of Nanaimo focuses on plowing roads on a priority basis: 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.
  • Please consider your neighbours needs in the event they are elderly or may require assistance clearing their sidewalks or private drains.

Quotes

"Nanaimo snow-fighting crews in Parks and Public Works will work around the clock to deal with weather conditions. I want to thank Nanaimo residents for their patience and avoiding unnecessary travel, leaving space for essential services to get through and the roads to be cleared. First responder emergency routes are the highest priority. Once those are cleared and the snow stops falling, crews are able to move into residential neighbourhoods. Merry Christmas to all of you!"

Leonard Krog
Mayor
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • 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, and 770 dead ends and cul-de-sacs.
  • Heavy rain, warm temperatures and snow melt can lead to a number of hazards for which residents should be prepared.

Videos

Snow & Catch Basins - Here's How
Snow & Catch Basins - Here's How
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Contact:

For media enquiries, please contact
Communications
City of Nanaimo
250-754-4251
Bill Sims
Public Works
City of Nanaimo
250-758-5222

Print News Release

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