On the Roads
Heavy snow is expected Friday night with accumulation up to 10 cm. Temperatures are expected to rise on Saturday then drop to below freezing, which will make for icy roads. City crews are out preparing the roads for the snowfall and will be working around the clock to salt and clear roads. Drivers should be prepared for winter driving conditions and plan their travel ahead of time. If possible, please avoid driving.
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.
Please make sure to give City plows 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
Due to icy road conditions, some areas have not received service. Drivers are making every effort to collect when road conditions permit. If your area was not collected, please remove your carts from the curb to allow crews to improve road conditions. ONLY, if your collection area was missed, please place an extra bag of garbage or recycling on your next scheduled collection (ie: 2 weeks) for pickup. Please place your bag 1 Metre (3 feet) behind your cart.
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?
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this weather event.
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.
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 Your Home/Business
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. Please do not shovel snow onto the road.
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.