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Yesterday's combination of snow and near zero degree temperatures continue to lead to slippery road surfaces.

Total accumulation of snow is estimated at 30-40 cms since yesterday. The focus remains on Priority 1 routes with eventual progress to Priority 2 routes. The City snow fleet logged over 3,300 kms of snow clearing effort during the operational period. 

If you are out today, please be careful. Plan your route appropriately and be patient out there.

Snow Plows

City crews continue to clear priority one routes. These are the main traffic arteries within Nanaimo and include bus routes and roads that lead to the hospital. Crews will move to second and third priority routes only once these first priority routes are clear and staying clear

Please also remember that City trucks may slip and slide in these conditions as well, and some of these are extremely heavy vehicles. Give plenty of space for everyone's safety.

Garbage / Recycling Collection

Garbage and recycling pick up have been cancelled again for today as roads are extremely unsafe for sanitation trucks.

If you had a scheduled pickup, please keep your carts in. As inconvenient as it is (and yes, we absolutely know it is) your collection will be delayed until your next scheduled pickup day for those same materials (in other words, two weeks plus a day for Family Day)

If you are missing garbage pickup, on your next scheduled garbage collection day, you may place extra, securely tied bagged garbage out with your carts. Please place the extra garbage one metre away from the carts to allow the automated truck arm room to operate.

If you are missing recycling pickup, on your next scheduled recycling collection day, additional blue cart recyclables can be placed loosely in an open container one metre away from your carts at the curb.

Parks, Recreation & Culture

• Recreation facilities are open with the exceptions below
• Bowen Complex closes at 4 p.m.
• Nanaimo Ice Centre closes at 8:30 p.m.
• All evening registered programs are cancelled
• Rentals of facilities are at the renter's discretion

Any programs cancelled will be refunded or rescheduled. Updates for tomorrow regarding programs and facilities will be shared by 7 a.m.

Services and Supports

This page provides a list of the emergency shelter, nutrition and hygiene services available to unsheltered or precariously housed residents of Nanaimo. For more information, visit the Services and Supports page on the City website.

How can you help?

Please do your best to remove snow and ice from sidewalks in front of your property within 24 hours, so that pedestrians have a safe place to walk and can stay clear of oncoming traffic. Please do not shovel snow onto the road. If you know of someone who may need a helping hand, please reach out to them. 

Where safe, if you know the location of a catch basin or storm drain near your home or business, clearing the snow can help reduce the chance of flooding in your neighbourhood. Staying ahead of the melt is the best way to avoid flooding, but 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. For more information, visit the Flood Control page on the City website.

The City clears sidewalks around parks, bridges, commuter trails and major City facilities as quickly as staff can get to them.

Find more information on the City's response to Snow and Ice.

Thanks for your patience and for staying safe out there, Nanaimo.