With cold temperatures and snow in the forecast, City crews have begun preparing equipment for de-icing and snow removal. If snow accumulates, staff will begin clearing roads based on the priority system outlined below:
First Priority: Emergency routes, major, arterial streets, hills, bridge decks, and access routes to hospitals, fire stations and police headquarters. Sidewalks/frontages: downtown transit stops, curb ramps, crosswalks and sidewalks fronting City properties.
Second Priority: Senior care and homeless shelter facility streets; secondary and collector roads, left turn lanes with traffic loop detectors. Sidewalks: transit stops outside of downtown, sidewalks fronting City properties outside of downtown, sidewalks fronting community centres.
Third Priority: Residential roads, bicycle lanes, City-owned surface parking lots, downtown parking spaces, sidewalks/frontages, the Galloping Goose Regional Trail and harbour walkways. Non-protected bike lanes are serviced by regular snow and ice roadway equipment at the time the route is plowed, salted or brined.
Protected bike lanes require small equipment and are serviced in conjunction with roadways based on equipment availability. Bike lanes are cleared in tandem with roads using a separate set of smaller equipment.
The Community’s Role After a Snowfall
It takes the community working together to clear Victoria’s more than 450 kilometres of sidewalks. Residents and businesses are reminded that under the Streets and Traffic Bylaw, they are required to clear snow and ice from sidewalks in front of their property by 10 a.m. each day.
Residents with garbage pickup on days when it's snowing are also asked to keep pathways clear or put their bins curbside to ensure their garbage is collected.
Residents are encouraged to make arrangements with neighbours in advance to clear each other’s sidewalks in the event they are away from home or work when it snows. Many community members have difficulty clearing snow and ice and may need help. If you can, please lend a hand to help out your neighbours in need.
Please do not shovel or plow snow onto streets or sidewalks as it slows snow removal. Those who do not comply with the bylaw may face a fine of $125 per ticketed offence (per day) and a ticket can be issued up to six months after an offence has occurred.
Check out these helpful information sheets on the roles and responsibilities of residents and businesses in Victoria when it snows.
Crystal Pool Referendum
Advance Voting Opportunities on February 3 and 5 and General Voting Day on February 8 will take place regardless of the weather.
In the event of flurries/snow on February 3 and 5, crews will follow the City’s snow clearing priorities, clearing emergency routes and major arterial roads, hills and bridge decks as well as downtown transit stops, wheelchair ramp and sidewalks fronting City properties, including the frontage of Crystal Garden.
In the event of flurries/snow on General Voting Day, City crews will clear snow from the 10 voting locations, comprised of Crystal Garden and nine local schools.
Parks, Recreation and Facilities
Crystal Pool remains open however some fitness programs have been cancelled. Please check victoria.ca/recreation for updates or call the Crystal Pool front desk at 250.361.0732.
All City turf fields are closed until further notice including Finlayson Turf and the Beacon Hill Park all-weather fields.
Parks staff are applying ice-melt to all walkways and beach access. Pedestrians are asked to use caution on paths, sidewalks and roads.
Snow Clearing Tools to Have on Hand
Victoria businesses and households should have access to shovels, sand and environmentally sensitive ice melt products to remove snow and ice from sidewalks and driveways.
**Please avoid using rock salt, as it is harmful to concrete sidewalks, pets’ paws and the environment. Ice melt products should be applied only moderately to avoid ice accumulation.
Be Prepared
Winter conditions can change quickly. Follow Greater Victoria weather alerts at: Environment Canada (weather.gc.ca)
Check out these cold weather tips to prevent frozen pipes to protect your home's water pipes from freezing of bursting and what to do if you have frozen pipes.
Now is also the time to refresh an emergency kit with a working flashlight, radio and new batteries. An emergency kit should include plenty of food, essential medicine and extra blankets. Visit VictoriaReady.ca to learn more about the supplies residents and businesses need to cope for at least three days in case of heavy snowfall or power outage.