Winter Snow & Ice Operations

During snow and ice road conditions, the City aims to maintain key travel routes which are vital for transportation and for emergency vehicle access.

Snow Removal

Crews regularly monitors major weather forecaster providers in order to have time to prepare ahead of any storm. Equipment is dispatched as needed and apply a pre-salt to road surfaces.

Priority locations for snow and ice removal are:

Priority 1 routes: Major roads, emergency access routes and bus routes
During times of continuous snowfall, crews return to clearing priority 1 routes as these routes are vital to travel in the City and are used by emergency services.
Priority 2 routes: Secondary through roads in residential areas

Once all priority routes are cleared, crews will begin tackling non-priority routes.

View the Winter Road Conditions Map* in full screen

*By clicking on a street, you can see a history of when it was last salted or cleared.

Road Closures

Due to the winter weather conditions, and your safety, there will likely be road closures. Road closures during a snowfall are put in place for your safety. These closures are often due to the steep and slippery conditions of the road. Please respect the closures and do not attempt to drive through these roads.

Barricades are set up to stop traffic from entering roads which become dangerous in inclement weather, such as steep hills like Oxford Street.

Garbage, Recycling and Green Waste Collection on a Snowy Day

During snow and ice conditions, waste collection may be delayed. If your collection day is missed City crews will attempt to make the collection later in the day. Please ensure your containers are cleared of snow.

The City will make every effort to keep residents informed and disruptions minimal. Your patience and understanding during these times is appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact Engineering & Operations at 604-541-2181 or email operations@whiterockcity.ca

Sidewalk Clearing

The City's Parks crew works to clear sidewalks and parking lots at civic facilities. Once those priority areas are clear, they tackle walkways in the City such as the waterfront promenade. In times of continuous snowfall, the Parks crew will return to clearing priority sidewalks and parking lots.

Public Sidewalk Clearing Responsibilities

Residents and businesses are required to clear snow and ice from sidewalks surrounding their property by 10 a.m. following a snowfall as per Street and Traffic Bylaw No. 1529. Thank you for doing your part to be a good neighbour and for helping to keep our community safe.

Catch Basin Clearing

When out shovelling, please take a moment to clear any drains adjacent to your property, especially during melting conditions. Blocked catch basins may result in excess water along the road area, which can become dangerous if it subsequently freezes. Blocked catch basins may result in flooding of adjacent properties depending on the extent of the blockage and the amount of melting snow.