With Vancouver forecasted to be hit with a bout of snow over the Christmas weekend, the City of Vancouver has been busy this month showing how it will be dealt with.
The equipment at the city's disposal includes 45 plow/salter trucks, four brine units, and two Kubotas that can salt or brine streets according to the city's website. Also included is the city's response plan to various snowy or icy conditions:
- When streets are dry, trucks spray brine which helps to melt any snow that may fall or frost that forms;
- When snow accumulates and streets are wet, salt is spread to melt the snow. In lower sub-zero temperatures, sand may also be used for traction;
- If there is 5 cm or more of snowfall, all brine and salt trucks are equipped with a plow blade which can be put into service immediately.
The National Works Yard, where the city's road clearing vehicles are kept, is also home to 3,000 tonnes of salt to use on roadways according to a video produced by the city.
A map of the roads with the highest clearing priority has also been created by the city. Vancouver's priority locations include major roads, bus routes, bridges, emergency access routes, school routes, most-used bike routes, bus stops and arterial corner ramps.
The Vancouver Park Board’s snow and ice control schedule aims to clear major park access roads, primary parking areas, and perimeter and direct internal park pathways in the downtown area are maintained.
There are areas in the city though that aren't the city's responsibility to clear. Those include:
- Residential side streets (excluding locations on priority routes)
- Sidewalks adjacent to non-city owned property
- Laneways (unless required for city collection operations)
- We'll treat locations as resources allow to reduce further impact.
For those who have seen more winters than most and have difficulty clearing snow and ice themselves, the city's Snow Angels program should be able to help.
If neighbours, friends, family members or other volunteers are unavailable, you can contact the city when at least 1 cm of snow is on the sidewalk and the city will try to connect you with a Snow Angel in your area.
To volunteer as a Snow Angel you can read more on the City of Vancouver's website.
