On the Roads
Increased temperatures today have started melting snow around Nanaimo. However, Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement that temperatures are expected to drop below zero this evening and remain below zero throughout tomorrow which will make for very icy roads. There is a chance for flurries overnight as well. If possible, we strongly recommend avoiding travel, or at least delaying until conditions improve.
If you do need to be on the roads, practice winter driving habits:
- slow down,
- give other vehicles lots of room,
- have patience for other drivers,
- make sure you vehicle is winter ready with winter-rated tires
- clear the outside of your vehicle of snow and ice, and
- pay extra attention for pedestrians and cyclists.
If you are walking and cycling, please make sure vehicles can see you by wearing high visibility clothing and, if possible, a light. Pedestrians, please make sure vehicles have come to a complete stop before you cross the street.
Crews are out salting and clearing in order of priority route. Please make sure to give them plenty of room to work as they may make wide right turns or other unexpected movements to clear snow and spread salt.
Find more information on the City's response to Snow and Ice.
Garbage and Recycling
Our crews are out making every effort to collect all scheduled routes today, but if your garbage, recycling or organics weren't picked up, please bring it back in, and we will collect it on your next designated collection day. What does this mean?
If your garbage collection was missed today, we will pick it up on your next scheduled garbage collection day
If your recycling collection was missed today, we will pick it up on your next scheduled recycling collection day.
Organics will be collected on your scheduled collection day next week.
Please check your Nanaimo Recycles app - if you haven't already, download the app - for special messages regarding your missed collection or call 250-758-5222.
Parks and Recreation
Recreation facilities remain open for programs, facility rentals and for drop-in swimming, weight rooms, skating and gymnasium sports.
Staff will be re-evaluating the weather situation overnight and will provide any further updates in the morning if programs are canceled or facilities are closed.
Please use caution in Nanaimo's parks. Trails, boardwalks, bridges, stairs and playground equipment can become slippery and hazardous when there is snow and ice.
Stay up to date with Parks, Recreation and Culture.
Around Home
Please make sure to remove snow and ice from sidewalks in front of your property within 24 hours, so that pedestrians have a safe place to walk and can stay clear of oncoming traffic. To help avoid flooding, please make sure to clear ice, snow, leaves and debris from catch basins and storm drains in front of your property. If you know of someone who may need a helping hand, please reach out to them.
The City will clear sidewalks around parks, bridges, commuter trails and major City facilities as quickly as staff can get to them.