Snow Clearing Information

During the snowstorm, our crews are clearing emergency and priority routes, such as major roads, public transit routes, school routes and hilly roads while the snow falls. When those routes are clear and accumulation eases, crews turn to smaller residential roads and cul de sacs.

Please stay off the roads, if possible, and consider checking in on and helping neighbours with their snow clearing and salting.

For information on snow clearing routes, your responsibility as a homeowner and more: /programs-services/streets-transportation/snow-and-ice

Updates:

Monday, Feb 11

If your vehicle is not equipped for winter driving, it is best to arrange alternate transportation today. BC Transit is asking passengers to not wait on hills as buses may not be able to stop. Please check their site for route updates. Road crews remain focused on priority routes, including emergency and transit routes, as well as major roads. More snow is expected today.

Central Saanich Municipal Hall has closed at 3:00 pm today (February 11, 2019). Thank you to our emergency responders and public works staff working through the night to keep our community safe.

Wednesday, February 13
 

Thursday will be icy on the roads. If your vehicle is not equipped for winter driving conditions, it is best to seek other means of transportation. 

Crews are still working around the clock and are trying to clear the compacted snow on secondary streets, including cul-de-sacs, with a focus on hills. With the icy conditions on the way, the crews may need to return to the priority routes to ensure emergency. school and transit routes are heavily salted.

Thursday, February 14

We thank residents for their patience as we respond to this of unusual amount of snowfall. A very special thank you to those who have been able to check on and assist their neighbours.

A reminder that property owners and residents are responsible for clearing paths and sidewalks bordering your properties within 24 hrs of snow accumulation.

The priority routes (emergency, transportation, main roads and schools) are clear, but with more snowfall or ice, these routes will be a main focus again. In the meantime, the crews have been working on the compact snow on residential roads with hills and are doing as many residential roads and cul-de-sacs as possible. We have also brought in additional assistance.

However, due to the thaws and freezes taking place, conditions will remain extremely slippery and we encourage residents to use caution while driving or walking.

Friday, February 15

Snow Angels are everywhere this week--members of the community who have reached out and pitched in to help their neighbours. In extreme weather conditions, it takes the entire community to ensure our well-being and safety. We have heard countless stories of neighbours working together. Thank you!
 
If you have neighbours who may need assistance, please check in with them. While many of us are staying close to home, this is an opportunity to build community networks and share contact information with neighbours. It is a key step to take in the effort of emergency preparedness.
 
Sidewalk clearing: Please be aware, some municipal walkways in parks and connecting neighbourhoods will not be able to be cleared due to the demands on our municipal staff. Our top priority is clearing major and collector routes (including steep hills) as well as transit routes. Because of this, given the demand on staff, we have focused on priority walkways. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
 
 
How you can help
  • Please do not drive if your vehicle is not equipped for winter driving.
  • If you have parked on the street, please try to move your vehicle as some narrow roads are difficult to access for the plows.
  • Clear your catch basins as the snow melts (public works is patrolling as snow melts, but assistance is appreciated).
  • Check in on your neighbours.

 

Toques off to our plow operators! 

Our public works crews are working through the night. They are constantly adjusting the plow so as to minimize pushing snow into driveways and getting salt on cars.

You can help them out by not shoveling snow towards the road, not parking on the street & giving them plenty of room.