New parking restrictions introduced to improve snow and ice clearing

December 9, 2022

Public safety is the driving force behind a recent change to winter parking regulations on some streets in Squamish. Parking is now restricted to one side of the street only during winter months to ensure that snow plows and emergency vehicles can access the designated streets. Signage has been installed to indicate parking restrictions between December 1 and March 1. A list of impacted streets is available at Squamish.ca/winter-parking.

The change was part of recent amendments to the District’s Snow and Ice Control Policy, Traffic Bylaw, Frontage and Sidewalk Maintenance Bylaw, and Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw.

“This change is designed to improve the District’s ability to clear snow from streets where on-street vehicle parking has historically impacted snow plow and emergency vehicle access,” says James Storey, the District’s Director of Public Works. “The situation last winter was very concerning. Vehicles parked along both sides of the street prevented snow plows from getting down the street, which, in addition to the frustration for residents, created a very unsafe situation as emergency vehicles were also unable to access the streets.”

Staff conducted an operational review following the snow and ice storm events of December 2021 and January 2022 which led to this policy change. Staff also conducted a thorough review of priority snow-clearing routes for both vehicles and active transportation. Priority Routes – major roads, bus routes, hills and school zones that are plowed and sanded/salted before secondary and remaining routes – have been updated to reflect new roads and sidewalk priorities such as Safe Routes to School.

District of Squamish Bylaw Enforcement Officers will focus on education and provide warnings to anyone parking in a restricted area. However, vehicles may be ticketed and towed at any time to ensure community safety. The fine for impeding snow removal is $250.

“We hope that homeowners and tenants who live on impacted streets can utilize garages and driveways as much as possible in an effort to alleviate street congestion to help solve this problem,” continues Storey. “That may not be possible for every car, but we’re looking for residents to help be part of the solution. Not being able to get a plow down a street is a problem that is in all our best interests to solve.”

Residents are reminded that District streets are public property for everyone to use, and that consideration of driveways and general good neighbourliness will help this policy change to be effective.

Fast Facts:

• Property owners and occupiers are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property.
• The District’s priority snow-clearing routes include arterial roads, major collector roads, bus routes, police stations, fire stations, ambulance stations, hills and safe routes to school. Sometimes, these routes need to be cleared multiple times before crews can begin clearing second and third-priority routes.
• The arms of a GFL collection truck can extend up to 12 feet which allows residents to place totes on their driveway, and not on the road. This is critical to keep the snow removal process running smoothly, and ensure that totes can be picked up.
• Sanding and plowing are carried out on a 24-hour basis during poor conditions.
• “Widening” the roads by pushing snow back to promote drainage is essential to prevent flooding and make room for future snowfalls. Crews do their best to avoid filling driveways in along the way.
• District crews provide 24-hour snow removal service during times of heavy snowfall.
• The District’s snow-clearing fleet includes three snow plow trucks and a snow-clearing machine used for commuter trails, sidewalks and safe routes to school.

For more information visit squamish.ca/snow-and-ice-control.

December 9, 2022