The City of Victoria is asking homeowners and businesses to help keep streets and sidewalks safe as it prepares for more snow and ice to hit the region this week.
Environment Canada has released a special weather statement warning of an intense Pacific storm that will bring significant snowfall to Vancouver Island and B.C.’s South Coast Thursday.
With no warm weather in sight, any new snow will probably stick to the ground for days, the statement said.
Public Works crews were out brining residential roads to prepare for the upcoming snow, saying Victoria weather can be unpredictable – but they’ll be ready when it hits.
“Just making sure all our equipment’s ready to go, staff is set up, and also watching the weather websites forecasting to try to pinpoint when it’s going to start, how long it’ll last, how much it’ll leave,” said Victoria Public Works’ Ed Robertson.
The city is reminding businesses and residents that bylaws require them to clear any snow and ice from sidewalks in front of their property by 10 a.m. each day.
Those who need assistance, such as elderly people, are asked to make arrangements with friends and neighbours to clear each other’s sidewalks in case they aren’t home or aren’t physically able.
Anyone who doesn’t shovel snow could be slapped with fines of up to $125 per day.
As for the city’s part, crews begin de-icing and plowing roads and sidewalks in order of priority. Emergency and major routes, hills and roads that access sites like hospitals, fire and emergency headquarters are the top priority for crews, the city said.
Up-island in Nanaimo, shovels and salt were flying off the shelves as residents braced for more of the white stuff.
“They’re just about gone,” Canadian Tire manager Fred Alteen said about his store’s supply of shovels. “We’ve got more coming, but that’s all we have right now.”
It was expected to dip to -6 degrees in the Harbour City overnight, and city crews there were also preparing to put additional snow-clearing trucks on the road.
Environment Canada said more snow is possible next week, and as the storm moves closer to B.C., it may update weather statements to weather warnings.
Local law enforcement agencies have urged drivers to use extreme caution when navigating slippery, icy roads.
ICBC reported receiving 526 calls from Vancouver Island alone following Monday night’s snowfall.
Meanwhile, Island Health saw an increase in the number of fall-related injuries due to slips on the ice.
The health authority said about 20 cases were reported at emergency departments at Victoria General Hospital and Royal Jubilee Hospital.
With a report from CTV Vancouver Island's Jessica Lepp
