It’s time to prepare for stormy weather in Nanaimo.
The City of Nanaimo offered reminders this week as there is a chance of flurries this coming Sunday or Monday, Nov. 6-7.
“West Coast living – we all love it, except when we experience extreme weather that sometimes disrupt our daily routines,” said Mayor Leonard Krog in a press release. “What we’ve all learned recently is our weather is becoming more unpredictable and we need to be prepared for anything from atmospheric rivers and heat domes to heavy snowfalls.”
The city asks that residents keep catch basins and storm drains around their properties clear of leaves and debris. When it snows, property owners are required to remove snow and ice from sidewalks in front of their properties within 24 hours, so pedestrians have a safe path. It’s the city’s responsibility to clear sidewalks around parks, bridges, commuter trails and well-used civic facilities.
On the roads during a snowfall, the city prioritizes plowing and maintaining routes used by emergency vehicles and all major roads. Residential areas are typically cleared and maintained within 96 hours unless snow and icy conditions keep plow crews working priority routes. Roads can become narrower as plows clear snow to the sides and residents can help by parking in their driveways or on even sides of the road on even-numbered days and on odd sides of the road on odd-numbered days.
Drivers should ensure their vehicles are ready for driving in snow and icy conditions and must slow down and leave extra room for snow plows. Motorists should not pass when equipment is operating.
Generally, the city reminds drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to be extra alert and aware, be seen and stay safe in any inclement weather.
To report a concern or make a suggestion regarding snow and ice control, contact the City of Nanaimo’s public works department at 250-758-5222 or e-mail public.worksinfo@nanaimo.ca.
The city is responsible for maintaining approximately 1,100 lane kilometres of paved streets, but Stewart Avenue, Brechin Road, the Nanaimo Parkway, the old Island Highway and Pearson Bridge are maintained by the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. Report any concerns or issues for those routes to 1-877-215-6006 or e-mail midisland@mainroad.ca.
If snowy roads interrupt waste collection, notices will be sent through the Nanaimo Recycles app and posted on Facebook and the City of Nanaimo website.
The press release also advised residents to think about emergency preparedness during storm season and have supplies of food and other necessities at home to get by for several days in case of a major snowfall or prolonged power outage.
During stormy weather, caution should be taken in Nanaimo’s parks. Trails, boardwalks, bridges, stairs and playground equipment can become slippery and hazardous and can even be littered with tree branches and othe debris during and after windstorms. Members of the public should use extreme caution when using trails along riverbanks during high water flow events caused by rain storms and snow melt. Report concerns or issues in Nanaimo’s parks and trails by calling 250-756-5200 or e-mail parksandrecreation@nanaimo.ca.
In the case of extreme weather that warrants an emergency response or major closures, alerts will be transmitted on the city’s Voyent Alert emergency alert system. For more information or to sign up for emergency notifications, visit www.nanaimo.ca/goto/alerts.
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