Once the snow fall starts, crews will be removing snow from priority routes:
· First priority: main and arterial roads, steep hills, school zones along steep hills.
· Second priority: bus routes, school zones (flat areas), collector roads
· Third priority: residential streets leading to subdivisions, industrial side streets. Back lanes are last priority.
Crews have started to pre-treat dry road surfaces of major roads with liquid salt brine in advance of forecasted snow or icy conditions.
The City’s snow and ice removal fleet and equipment are ready to go when needed. The City is monitoring road temperatures daily to determine when brining is required. The City’s snow and ice removal fleet and program includes:
· five tandem axle dump trucks with snow blade attachments
· six three-tonne trucks with snow blade attachments
· two single axle trucks with blade attachments
· two brine trucks
Note - In a larger scale snow event the City may not get to second and third priority routes until the first priority routes are under control.
City staff have completed training and certification on the operation of the special blade equipped dump trucks that are the front line for the response to snow events. In addition, the City has stockpiled 6000 tonnes of salt that is used to pre-treat the road network prior to a snow event to reduce the formation of ice on the surface of the road. During snow events, the crews deploy a combination of salt and sand to promote traction at key intersections and promote the melting of the snow.
The City has a number of partners who have specific responsibility during a major snow event. Lougheed Highway, from Mission through to Pitt Meadows, including the Haney Bypass, is maintained by Mainroad Group. The City is responsible for the section of Lougheed Highway from Kanaka Way through the downtown to the intersection at 222 Street. Miller Capilano Highway Services is responsible for snow removal on Golden Ears Way and the Golden Ears Bridge. Snow removal at school sidewalks and parking lots is the responsibility of School District 42. Citizens are encouraged to follow these organizations on social media for the latest updates during a snow event.
Preparation is Key. Here’s What You Can Do.
When it snows, the City reminds residents and businesses that they are required to remove snow and ice from sidewalks bordering their property within 24 hours after a snowfall. Residents and businesses who do not clear sidewalks can face a fine of up to $300 per incident. If you know of a neighbour with physical challenges, shovel their sidewalk when you do your own.
The City provides the following tips;
Before the snow arrives:
· Make sure you have a snow shovel and other snow removal equipment (e.g. salt).
· Winterize your vehicle and ensure you have good winter tires.
· Prepare your home – have your furnace inspected, shut off outside water and clean gutters and catch basin grates.
· Help neighbours and family members who need support make their preparations and have on hand any specialty items.
· Have your emergency plan prepared.
When it snows:
· When removing snow from your property, also clear any sidewalk openings to make roads accessible for those in wheelchairs, scooters or with strollers.
· When shoveling snow, pile it on your property – not on the sidewalk or street.
· Clear snow and ice away from fire hydrants.
· Drive only when necessary, and only in a vehicle with good winter tires.
· Don’t let children play in snow piles or roadside snowbanks.
· Avoid parking on the street, as parked vehicles hamper snow plows.
· Report any fallen trees blocking traffic, pot holes to the City Operations Centre at 604-463-9581
For more information visit www.mapleridge.ca/1230 to access information on the City’s priority clearing route maps and tips on how you and your family can prepare for a weather emergency.