7 Ways to feel chill when snow comes to town

Snow is in the forecast!

When it snows, the District’s priority is to keep open the “Red Routes” – primarily hills and transit routes – in order to ensure that buses and emergency vehicles can keep moving.

• The Red Routes remain the priority while the snow continues to fall. Equipment will then move to secondary streets, and eventually cul de sacs, as conditions allow, and generally once snow stops falling.
• Depending on the weather forecast, the next priority after Red Routes is often widening the Red Routes to move the snow back and allow for drainage. We often see mild temperatures after snowfall which results in rapid melt, and the possibility of localized flooding.
• Clearing snow off the Corridor Trail is considered a priority route as it is a key commuter trail for many residents, and enables off-road access between our neighbourhoods.

7 Ways to feel chill when snow comes to town

1. Park off street: When snow is in the forecast, make an extra effort to find a place to park off the street so that snow plows can clear the streets. Park in a neighbour’s driveway temporarily so that plows can clear space for you to return to street parking.
2. Take transit: Transit buses will be running, even when your street may not yet be plowed, or when snowfall and fluctuating temperatures may make cycling dangerous. Transit is a safe and reliable alternative for your commute. View transit schedules here.
3. Clear your sidewalks: Clearing snow soon after it falls is the easiest way to remove snow and ice from your sidewalks. Pile snow to the right of your driveway to prevent it from being pushed back by snow plows, and avoid shoveling snow onto the road or bike lanes.
4. Clear your catch basins: Help us keep storm drains clear of snow as this will help prevent water pooling and possible flooding on your property.
5. Keep fire hydrants clear: Help us keep fire hydrants clear of snow so that they may be easily located if required.
6. Keep totes off the road: Place garbage and recycling totes on your driveway instead of the road. The arms of the garbage truck extend 12 feet, and so can easily reach to your driveway.
7. Be cautious: Use caution for your personal safety. If your driveway or path is icy, please be aware that conditions on roads, sidewalks and the Corridor Trail may also be icy and take the necessary precautions. Crews work day and night to anticipate ice, but it’s not a perfect science and nature sometimes throws curveballs.

December 21, 2018