Winter is coming and Vancouver says it’s prepared
Specific forecasts should help staffing decisions for severe weather events
Are you ready for winter? Because the City of Vancouver says it is.
The city is outlining its winter preparedness plan for the 20182019 winter season and reminding residents to do the same.
Working with a meteorologist, city staff use Vancouver-specific forecasts to ensure severe weather events are staffed appropriately. They also have staff on hand 24 hours a day to respond to sudden weather incidents.
“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,” said Jerry Dobrovolny, the city’s general manager of engineering services.
“When it snows, our priority is ensuring main arterials and bus routes are kept clear, to keep streets safe for all users.”
John Deere mowers managed by the Vancouver park board will also be equipped with snow brushes and salt spreaders to tackle snow on sidewalks, paths, seawalls and parking lots. Along with main arterials and bus routes, community centres and destination parks will also be a priority.
The City of Vancouver also adopted a “comprehensive snow response plan,” one that prioritizes arterial roads for salting, brining and plowing. Last year, a threetiered service response time system was also implemented, along with expanded coverage locations and increased salt availability.
Residents are invited to join the city’s Snow Angel program, which sees volunteers helping to clear ice and shovel snow for low-income seniors and those with mobility challenges. Interested volunteers can sign up online.
While the city regularly sweeps and clears leaves and has planned for additional leaf pickup days, crews are frequently scheduled to clear catch basins before heavy rainfall.
Residents are also encouraged to join the city’s Adopt a Catch Basin program and volunteer to clear their neighbourhood catch basins. Those who volunteer can also name their adopted catch basin. Some examples include “Grate Expectations,” “Live Inlet Die,” and “Kevin Basin.”
SOME TIPS ON HOW TO PREPARE FOR WINTER
Get your snow gear ready: shovels, snow boots, winter tires and salt.
Install winter tires. Snow tires are those identified by a threepeaked mountain and snowflake symbol or the mud and snow symbol; they also require at least 3.5 millimetres of tread.
Park your car on a side street or in your garage when snow is forecast. This allows for crews to clear all major arterials.
Take transit instead of driving if possible during severe snowfall.
Raking or blowing leaves into the street could lead to fines of up to $10,000. Failing to clear the sidewalk around your property by 10 a.m. the morning after a snowfall can also result in fines.