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- Snow and Ice Control
Snow and Ice Control
Take your time with this page to learn about the City's snow and ice removal process, what the priority routes are, why it takes a long time, plus important information to keep you and yours safe throughout the winter.
Read up and have a safe and happy winter ahead!
The City’s objective is to provide safe and orderly transportation for emergency equipment, vehicle traffic, and pedestrians throughout the winter months. With frequent and often heavy snowfalls, the crew work hard to clear the streets as efficiently and effectively as possible. The process takes time, especially with severe storms. Snow removal resources are not unlimited and unanticipated equipment failures can happen and cause delays.
Citizens can help the snow removal process by understanding route priorities and taking the time to read through the below information tabs.
During significant winter weather events, plowing will be concentrated on Emergency Routes, Bus Routes, and Main road arterials as per the City Snow and Ice Removal Policy. Resources are committed to keeping these routes open and priority to emergency services such as Hospitals, Ambulance, Police and Fire. Once all priority routes are cleared, crews will concentrate efforts on clearing residential streets.
The priority system ensures we maintain the safest driving and walking conditions possible given prevailing weather conditions and demand on available workforce, equipment, and financial resources. The priority order is:
1. Arterial roads accessing emergency services
2. Downtown core
3. Bus routes and hills
4. Parking lots: City-owned parking lots (Community Centre, Arena / Curling Club), RCMP detachment, Fire Department, and courthouse parking lots
5. Remaining streets and roads
6. Fire hydrants
Shoveling
Placing snow on the travelled portion of the roadway is not permitted under the City of Revelstoke’s Traffic and Highways Bylaw. This regulation helps to ensure potentially dangerous situations for motorists are avoided. This is a ticketable offense.
Snow Distribution on City Right-of-Way
The large amount of snow in Revelstoke requires that snow be piled up on City right-of-way and will be distributed amongst residences as the winter progresses. We ask all residents to permit this much necessary distribution and be patient with the plow operators.
Sidewalks
Residents and Business owners are reminded that although crews assist property owners with the clearing of deep snow and sanding sidewalks, the ultimate responsibility for keeping the sidewalks clear of snow and ice, rests with the property or business owner, whose property borders the sidewalk. (pursuant to Bylaw #1400, 1992)
Grit Boxes in the Downtown Area
During the winter months, the City places bright yellow "grit boxes" at key locations in the downtown core as well as areas used specifically by senior citizens. The grit boxes contain the same winter grit used by the City's snow removal staff for sidewalk sanding.
Residents are encouraged to scoop and spread the grit on slippery spots on the sidewalk and other problem locations. Just open the lid, scoop up some grit and spread it over the hazard. Be sure to put the scoop back in the box and close the lid firmly.
This "do-it-yourself" approach of using grit boxes could help make winter walking safer for all by having pedestrians address slipping hazards right away. The City will continue to carry out its regular sidewalk clearing and sanding in addition to this program.
Parking and Snow Removal
Please ensure your cars are not parked in the way of snow removal - do not park on the sidewalk, do not park in areas that are signed "No Parking", and watch for time-limited parking restrictions.
If you have to park on the street during a snowfall, find a parking lot or street that has already been cleared near you and park close to your home after snow removal has been completed. Make sure to move your vehicle when snow removal occurs in order to avoid ticketing or a tow at the owner’s expense.
Please note: Unless otherwise specified for a shorter time limit or no parking permitted, a maximum of 24 hours is allowed for a vehicle to park on City streets - year-round. A vehicle must be moved at least once every 24 hours to avoid towing or ticketing in these areas.
Plowing - Do Not Pass
Please be aware and stay clear of snow clearing/removal equipment and sanding trucks. These are identified by amber flashing warning lights. DO NOT PASS these vehicles & stay a minimum of 15 meters behind.
Plowing - Child Safety
Children should never play or build snow forts on or near piles of snow at the side of the road or in parking lots. Operators of snow clearing equipment cannot see children in these locations.
Crew Working on Drains
When you see crews working to unplug drains on the sides of streets, please slow down and give them room to prevent spraying snow/water at the crew and keeping them safe on-site.
Take your time on the roads and plan ahead
Be patient and give plows/crews room on the roads
Clear sidewalks of snow and ice