More Snow Expected, Keep Storm Drains Clear
23 December 2008
While Richmond digs itself out of Sunday’s 30-cm blizzard in time for Wednesday’s expected 10 to 15 cm snowfall, City crews will be working to clear storm water drains of snow in anticipation of rising temperatures and the start of the great melt.
The weather has also played havoc with the city’s recycling and garbage collection service. For more information on the recycling and garbage collection service, read the related article.
Richmond property owners can help by clearing stormwater drains near them of snow and accumulated sand. For those who want to plan ahead, materials for sandbags are available at the Public Works Yard, 5599 Lynas Lane.
Road crews will be out again tonight plowing and sanding Richmond’s main roads and transit routes. The City maintain 310 kms of designated routes—all major thoroughfares, all emergency routes and all bus routes—with up to 12 trucks, salting, sanding and plowing during snow storms, as well as clearing sidewalks in front of civic facilities and bus stops. Commercial, industrial and multi-family property owners are required to clear the walkways in front of their properties by 10 a.m., except Sunday.
Richmond side streets are not part of the 310 km of designated snowclearing and salting routes; to include them would require far greater resources than the City currently has, and Richmond’s typography, weather patterns and street design make that a less effective use of those resources. On average, Richmond has about 12 snowstorms a winter.
The City strongly advises all drivers to proceed cautiously, ensure their cars are properly equipped with snow-rated tires, clear all windows and car lights from snow for visibility, and provide extra travel time to reach destinations safely, or take public transit. Pedestrians are also advised to be aware that small equipment may be on the sidewalks and to proceed cautiously.
The City thanks everyone in Richmond for their patience and understanding as crews continue to work through the holiday period to maintain services.
