Snow & Ice

During the winter months, rain, windstorms, snow and inclement weather can deteriorate street and sidewalk conditions quickly. The following provides information on what to expect during freezing temperatures or snowfall events in View Royal.

Snow & Ice Clearing - Streets & Roads

The Town of View Royal makes use of Environment Canada and meteorological services to monitor and predict when cold weather is coming 24/7. When cold weather is predicted our crews are out pre-treating roads with de-icing brine. We are responsible for keeping over 60km of roads safe, which means we need to prioritize. 

Clearing Priorities

When freezing temperatures or snowfall is likely, our priorities are as follows:  

  • First Priority: Emergency routes, routes with heavy traffic volumes, municipal properties and frontages, BC Transit routes and bus stops, steep hills, school zones.
  • Second Priority: All other public roads.

Priority areas may be completed up to 72 hours after a snowfall, provided that the snow stops falling. If crews are in the process of clearing Second Priority areas and it starts snowing again, they will immediately return to clearing First Priority areas. 

In the event of a severe snowstorm, it could take up to seven days or more for crews to complete all priority areas. 

Helpful Information

  • Cul-de-sacs: Cul-de-sacs play an important role in servicing our roads as they provide turnaround space for service and emergency vehicles as well as snow storage space. Vehicles parked within cul-de-sacs can obstruct the Town’s snow removal operations and prevent garbage and emergency services from accessing those property. 

  • Driveways: Please place the snow on the right side of your driveway as you face the road. This will keep snow plows from filling your driveway as they clear the roads. Avoid pushing the snow from your driveway onto the road as this will add to the pack on the roads making snow removal more difficult.

  • Parking: Avoid parking your vehicle on the street or in a cul-de-sac. An empty street makes the passage of snow plows much easier and efficient. Parked vehicles that obstruct the Town’s snow removal work can be subject to fines and/or towed away at the owner’s expense. 

  • Plowing: Give snow plow operators as much room as possible. Do not attempt to wave down or step out in front of a salt truck or snow plow. Doing this will slow down snow removal operations and it presents a hazard both to yourself and the plow operator.  

  • Private roads: The Town does not maintain private roads. Snow and ice removal are the responsibility of the property owner, be that a strata corporation, a housing co-operative, or a commercial landowner. 

  • Stormwater Drainage: Catch basins play an important role when snow begins to melt. Please ensure any catch basins fronting your property are kept clear of snow and debris. Doing so will reduce the chance of flooding and ice on the road. 

Snow & Ice Clearing - Sidewalks

Property owners are expected to make their best efforts to clear snow and ice from the sidewalk(s) adjacent to their property before 10:00am (see Streets Bylaw No. 980, 2019). Where possible, it is more practical to shovel sidewalks early and often. Fresh dry snow is lighter and therefore more manageable than wet, heavily packed, or partly melted snow. 

  • Plan ahead and help your neighbours: Arrange for help in advance if you plan to be away from your home or if you require assistance with snow and ice removal. We ask that you kindly help your neighbours who may need assistance with snow removal.

Interruption of Services

Inclement weather events can cause interruption to your regular services:

Safety Tips

Transportation

  • Motorists are advised to practice defensive driving, use good snow tires and exercise caution at all times.
  • Pedestrians are advised to walk on the left side of the road (facing traffic) on roadways lacking sidewalks or where the sidewalks are impassable due to snow. 
Winter Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  Am I responsible for clearing sidewalks outside my home?

    • Yes, property owners are responsible for ensuring that the sidewalks adjacent to their properties are kept clear of snow and ice to the best of their ability. Please review Streets Bylaw No. 980 for more information.

2. Who do I notify about slippery roads/sidewalks? Who can I contact if I have a question, request or complaint?

    • For Private Roads: Questions/concerns should be directed to the property owner, strata, etc.

    • For Public Roads and Sidewalks fronting municipal property: please contact the Engineering Department at 250-708-2278 or engineering@viewroyal.ca.

    • For Sidewalks fronting private property: please complete a Bylaw Complaint Form, along with any supporting photos, by e-mail to bylawcompliance@viewroyal.ca or in person at Town Hall.

3. Will my garbage or blue box recycling be collected when it snows?