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Snow Preparedness & Clearing
Working Together to Manage Snow and Ice in the City
Snow season is upon us. The City monitors road and weather conditions throughout the winter months. When snow and icy conditions are forecast, crews and equipment are dispatched to clear roads on a priority basis.
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1. The first priority for municipal crews, during and after a snowfall, is to clear the major arterial streets, as well as bus routes, bus stops and access to emergency services (e.g. fire halls, ambulance stations and hospital).
2. The second priority is to clear collector streets, routes leading to schools, and routes leading to isolated neighbourhoods.
3. Finally, once conditions have stabilized on first and second priority routes, crews will begin to clear local streets. Local streets are not plowed immediately during a snow event. In the event of continual snowfall, it may take longer than normal for plows to reach local streets as first and second priority streets will require additional attention. |
You Can Help:
Before a snowfall:
- Prepare for an emergency. Keep an emergency kit and supplies in your home, office and car. During an emergency, such as a large-scale power outage, residents may be without services or assistance for up to 72 hours. Visit the North Shore Emergency Management Office website at http://www.nsemo.org, or call 604-983-9440 to find out more about personal emergency preparedness and for information on free emergency preparedness workshops. The next workshop is on January 25, 2010.
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Winter Weather - Managing Snow and Ice in the City
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- Stock up on food supplies and ensure that your prescriptions are filled.
- Note the locations of fire hydrants and catch basins around your property.
- Purchase and install quality snow tires. Tune-up your vehicle for winter driving.
- Keep a shovel and supply of salt handy for sidewalks and driveways.
- Make alternate plans to commute to work when it snows, such as public transit.
- Monitor local weather reports.
When it snows:
- Drive only if necessary. Public transit may be a good alternative.
- Park in your driveway, not on the street. This will allow snow plows and salt spreaders the room required to safely clear the street. This is particularly important on cul-de-sacs and narrow roadways. Please note that lanes/alleys are not plowed during a snow event.
| Remove snow from your sidewalk. The owner or occupier of an industrial, commercial or multi-family property is required to remove any accumulation of snow or ice from the sidewalks and footpaths bordering the real property as soon as possible after the cessation of any snow or ice accumulation. Residents of single-family properties are also asked to clear snow and ice from sidewalks in front of their home in order to ensure the safety of pedestrians. For more information, please review the Street and Traffic Bylaw, 1991, No. 6234 section 814. |
Snow shovelling tips:
- Never shovel snow from sidewalks and driveways into the streets. The snow plows always push the snow to the side of the road so the snow will be pushed back onto the sidewalk and your driveway. Pushing the snow from your driveway onto the road is also dangerous. Adding to the snow pack on the road makes a hazardous situation even more dangerous.
- When you clear snow from the roadway in front of your driveway, pile the snow on the right side of your driveway (facing the street). This reduces the chance of having the plow push the pile back in front of your driveway entrance. Crews attempt to leave driveway entrances clear whenever possible, however this is not always possible following heavy snowfall.
- Clear snow away from fire hydrants. This will make it easier for the fire department to locate the hydrant in the event of an emergency.
- Clear the catch basins in front of your home or business. Snow and ice build-up can block catch basins and prevent rain and melted snow from draining properly. Properly cleared catch basins allow for proper drainage and will reduce the chance of flooding.
- Check on neighbours and family members. Infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities may need assistance.
- Stay away from rivers and creeks. With heavy rainfall or melting snowpack, comes increased risk, due to elevated water levels, swift moving currents, and bank erosion.
- Report downed power lines. Stay clear and contact BC Hydro at 1-888-POWERON. Go to BC Hydro's website for further information about power outages.
Garbage, Green Waste (Yard Trimmings) and Recycling Collection During a Snow Event:
In the event of hazardous road conditions due to snow and ice, it may be necessary to suspend garbage, green waste and recycling collection in some or all parts of the North Shore. If this occurs and your collection is missed:
- Crews will attempt to make the collection the following day. Please ensure that your containers are not buried in the snow. Keep them on the sidewalk or boulevard and remove them as soon as possible after they have been emptied.
- If crews are not able to collect your garbage/recycling on the following day, then it will be collected on your next scheduled collection day and your container limit will be increased to accommodate the missed pickup.
- Green waste collection may be suspended during snow and icy conditions, allowing crews to focus on garbage collection.
Resources & Related Links
For More Information
Thank you for your cooperation and patience during a snow event as municipal crews work to keep your streets clear and safe. For more information on the City's snow and ice removal policy and how you can prepare for winter storms, please contact the City at:
City of North Vancouver
Municipal Hall
141 West 14th Street
North Vancouver, BC
V7M 1H9
Phone: 604-983-7333
Email: eng@cnv.org
To report a problem:
Operations Division
Phone: 604-987-7155
8:00am - 4:30pm (Monday to Friday)
After hours emergency calls: 604-988-2212
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