Preparations are underway to keep roads clear in advance of a snow event expected this weekend on the Sunshine Coast.
Snow has been forecast to arrive Saturday night and continue falling into Sunday morning, according to a special weather statement Environment Canada issued on Jan. 22.
The statement says snow accumulation will vary between two and five centimetres from Gibsons to Earls Cove before it begins to mix with rain in many areas by Sunday afternoon.
Eastern and inland sections of Vancouver Island are expected to see the most accumulation, with up to 15 centimetres falling, especially in areas above 200 metres in elevation.
Tyler Lambert of Capilano Highways said all hard-surface roads, including Highway 101 and all bus routes, should be brined by Friday afternoon, to prevent ice formation overnight and stop snow from bonding to the surface.
Salt stores are topped up and mechanics have been assessing plow trucks, “getting them ready for what will be their first use of the season,” said Lambert.
“We’ll have all our resources on it.”
Drivers are being asked to drive slow, to give themselves extra time getting to ferry terminals and whenever possible to keep parked cars off roads.
“If people park on the side of the road instead of up on their properties, it really inhibits our ability to get the plow down there,” Lambert said.
District of Sechelt crews have been brining roads in the municipality.
Plowing will begin if two centimetres accumulate on roads, starting with major arterial routes, such as roads used by public transit and school buses and roads to emergency services buildings, followed by collector roads and residential roads, said communications manager Julie Rogers.
Sechelt residents are asked to shovel sidewalks within 24 hours of the snow event and to keep snow off roads, as well as to locate and clear storm drains.
Property owners in Gibsons are responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks fronting their property, said Town staff, adding that proper de-icing products should be used to avoid damaging concrete.
Gibsons’ maintenance manager, Daniel Tardiff, told Coast Reporter roads were salted Friday and will be salted again Saturday morning. Crews are on standby to plow as it starts accumulating, with backups at the ready. Sidewalks and stairs will also be salted and cleared.
