City News
City Prepares as Snow and Cold Weather Commences
17 January 2012As temperatures dip below zero, inclement weather such as ice and snow is arriving. The City of Richmond is prepared to battle Mother Nature’s challenges with its thorough snow response plan.
As snow is in the forecast, City crews have been working up to 12 hours in advance, laying down anti-icing liquid brine and/or salt on the roads to prevent frost and ice from forming. When a snow storm hits and if the severity of the storm requires such a response, crews begin working around the clock.
The City’s Roads and Construction Services department ensures all major arterial roads are cleared, salted and/or sanded so emergency vehicles (police, ambulance and fire trucks), public transit and private vehicles are able to travel our primary routes. As stated in Policy 7103 “Roadways – ice and snow removal,” first and second priority routes have been established and are the first roads to be cleared.
Last year, we added third priority routes for snow clearing, which improves local neighbourhood clearing and accessibility. Third priority routes consist of designated collector roads and roads of local significance. Salting and ploughing activities on third priority routes occurs only when first and second priority routes are under control and when they can be scheduled during regular working hours (Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Third priority routes represent approximately 77 kilometres of roads and were developed, in part, based on input from residents and the Board of Education.
To address the region’s current ice and snow advisories, The City has activated day and night shifts to provide 24 hour coverage and will continue to do so until the current weather activity has passed. As of earlier today, all first and second priority routes were pre-treated. Crews are now shifting attention to the City’s third priority routes, and it is estimated that all priority routes will be pre-treated by the end of today (January 17).
For more information on the City’s snow response, visit www.richmond.ca (City Services > Roads, Dykes, Water & Sewers > Winter & Severe Weather Response). Updates during snow events will be posted on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofrichmondbc.
Residents needing assistance with snow removal or pick-up of groceries or medications during a major snowfall are encouraged to access the Snow Angels registry. These volunteer organizations have registered to assist the elderly and residents with mobility challenges during heavy snowfalls. They can call Richmond City Hall at 604-276-4000, the City’s parks and Recreation department at 604-244-1208, or any Richmond community centre. The registry can also be accessed online at www.richmond.ca/winter.
