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Winter weather conditions continue in Nanaimo

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed December 31, 2021 3:45 PM

Summary

This past week, Nanaimo was hit with the heaviest snowfall of the season with the possiblilty for more snow, and even rain, in the forecast over the coming days. On the roads, City crews have been clearing snow focusing on priority routes such as main roads and emergency routes. With the break in snowfall, they have been focused on secondary routes and, if it doesn't snow again, will stay on secondary routes and cul-de-sacs and dead end roads. Winter driving conditions continue on Nanaimo roads with packed snow and ice surfaces on main routes and secondary routes. Motorists are reminded to drive with extreme care, stay well back from snowplows and other vehicles and avoid driving unless necessary.

In City parks and facilities, crews are out clearing walkways into City buildings, downtown sidewalks with City-owned properties (including Maffeo Sutton Park) and the E&N Trail as first priorities. The public is reminded that trails, boardwalks, bridges, stairs and playground equipment can become slippery and hazardous when there is snow and ice. Please take care and walk with caution through the City's parks.

To report any concerns or issues in Nanaimo's parks and trails, please contact Nanaimo Parks & Recreation at 250-756-5200 or email parksandrecreation@nanaimo.ca.

Please help pedestrians travel through Nanaimo safely. Property owners and tenants (residential and businesses) are responsible for clearing snow and ice from the sidewalks in front of their property.

Anticipated rainfall on top of snow increases the potential for localized flooding and flooding in and around homes. Residents are asked to help prevent flooding by clearing any catch basins or storm drains in front of their homes and businesses. If flooding occurs, sand and sand bags for filling (bring a shovel and ties) are available at the Public Works yard. To report flooding, please call Public Works 24-hour hotline at 250-758-5222.

Garbage/Recycling Collection

Garbage/Recycling collection has been cancelled for December 31 through January 3. Collection is anticipated to resume on January 4 and will follow the 2022 Collection Calendar. To accommodate missed recycling collection, residents will be able to put extra recycling out on their next scheduled recycling collection day. Similarly, for missed garbage collection, residents will be able to put an extra bag of garbage out for pickup on their next scheduled garbage collection day (one extra bag per account). Download the free Nanaimo Recycles app for up to date information on curbside collection. Find links to the app on the Garbage and Recycling Calendar page on the City website.

Warming centres open

Cold weather day-use spaces are open at:

  • Caledonia Park (110 Wall Street), open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. only when a cold weather event is occurring. Operated by the Nanaimo 7-10 Society
  • 489 Wallace Street, open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association.
  • 380 Terminal Avenue, open 7 days a week from 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Operated by Risebridge.

For more information on services and supports for Nanaimo’s vulnerable population, visit www.nanaimo.ca/goto/supportsandservices.

Stay up to date with conditions on www.nanaimo.ca, Twitter feed (@cityofnanaimo) and Facebook page. For up-to-date information on public transit, follow @RDN_Transit on Twitter. Please also listen to our local radio stations the Wave 102.3 or Wolf 106.9.

Visit our Snow and Ice Control page for information on the City's response to snow and what residents and commuters can do to stay safe.

Link to Strategic Plan: N/A

Key Points

  • Drivers are reminded to use caution when approaching traffic signals and stop signs; allow extra time and distance when stopping; give ample room for snow clearing equipment when it is out on the road; and please do not attempt to pass equipment and crews when they are working.
  • The City's priority for snow clearing sees major roads, including emergency and bus routes, plowed first, followed by residential areas with collector roads, followed by culs-de-sac and dead ends.
  • Residents can also ensure the areas around the outside of their homes are free of snow, ice and debris to prevent potential flooding. Please consider your neighbours needs in the event they are elderly or may require assistance clearing their sidewalks and catch basins/storm drains.
  • The City encourages residents to be prepared for severe winter weather by gathering essentials, such as food, medications, personal needs and other critical supplies, and have them on hand in the case of power outages or the weather prevents them from leaving their homes.

Quotes

"The air is fresh, the snow has been brilliant and powdery, and it was a postcard, picture-perfect Christmas in Nanaimo. As much of a gift as the snow has been though, winter weather brings with it many challenges, slippery conditions and a necessary call for caution. Please be careful out there, Nanaimo!"

Leonard Krog
Mayor
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • To report a concern or make a suggestion regarding snow and ice control, please contact the City of Nanaimo Public Works department at 250-758-5222 or public.worksinfo@nanaimo.ca.
  • Property owners and occupants are reminded to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall ending.
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Contact:

For media enquiries, please contact
Communications
City of Nanaimo
250-754-4251

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