Southern B.C. is a funny place — one minute it can be a nice fall evening with a temperature in the double digits, and then the next, below freezing. The City of Vancouver is trying to stay ahead of the curve by putting a strategy in place for the coming winter.
“At the city, we operate 24 hours a day. By working with a meteorologist to give us specific weather reports for Vancouver, we are able to staff up when we get notice that the weather is changing,” says Jerry Dobrovolny, Engineering Services general manager.
“When it snows, our priority is ensuring main arterials and bus routes are kept clear, to keep streets safe for all users. We are also extremely grateful to the residents who have recently joined our Adopt a Catch Basin and Snow Angel programs to be part of a quick and timely response when the weather changes.”
The Vancouver Park Board has upgraded existing equipment, like John Deere mowers that now feature snowbrushes and salt spreaders for clearing sidewalks, paths and parking lots around the seawall, community centres and other high-traffic areas. The city’s snow response fleet has been bolstered as well, with extra multi-season vehicles added to support garbage and green bin collection in inclement weather.
You, too, should prepare for the cold snap. Make sure shovels, proper boots and salt are on hand, and be ready to shovel the sidewalks around your property by 10 a.m. following a snowfall, seven days a week. For those unable to do so, including seniors and the disabled, sign up for the aforementioned Snow Angle program to be connected to a volunteer who can help.
If you have a vehicle parked on a major road and/or bus route, move to a side street or garage before or after it snows so crews can ensure arterials are safe for all users. And if a winter road trip part of your holiday plans, be aware the Province of BC requires appropriate tires installed in order to travel on certain highways.
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