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Updated: Snow adds drama to Monday commute

Snow at the higher levels slowed commutes in the Tri-Cities, Evergreen Extension was packed

Monday's morning and evening commutes were more hectic than usual as a winter blanket dropped on much of the Tri-Cities.

Some first-time Evergreen Extension riders experienced a few snow-related delays on the ride in to Vancouver on the Millennium Line, drivers were urged to stay away from Mariner Way in the early hours of the morning because of slippery conditions and sanding trucks and plows were out on roads and parking lots in the higher elevations.

Port Moody also experienced some heavy snow and on Monday afternoon the city reported that Clarke Road was closed.

Conditions were challenging on steeper roads, such as Thermal Drive and Gatensbury.

James Umpleby, director of public works with the City of Coquitlam, said the trouble began when the snow started during the morning rush hour, making it difficult for the plows and sanders to clean city streets. Among the hardest hit by the snow was Mariner Way, and for awhile it was chaos, with no fewer than six cars and a bus stranded.

"During the rush hour was when it was bad because everyone is on the road trying to get up and down and they don’t have the right tires. That was the public not prepared."

But eventually the works crews were able to clear the main streets and later that morning the major arterial roads were cleared, Umpleby said.

Local roads have to wait for plows to get to them, he said.

"We don’t plow local roads during the normal course of business."

Umpleby said he thought the city was prepared with salters and sanders at the ready early Monday morning, and he expects to have as many as 15 salting and sanding trucks ready to go if the snow returns Thursday.

 
Meanwhile, none of School District 43's public schools were closed due to snow.
 
However, spokesperson Peter Chevrier said parents could keep their children home if they thought it was safer and some may have done so.
 
"SD43 has inclement weather procedures in place. We have communicated them to parents and staff over the past month and we implemented them beginning last night, due to the forecasted weather, and we continue today.  SD43 has schools located at different geographic elevations and this affects the impact that weather may have on each school. District staff are working hard to ensure schools remain open and accessible. We will continue communicating updates during inclement weather using our website, social media, and radio stations," Chevrier noted in an email.

By about 2 p.m., when the snow didn't quit in some areas, children were released earlier if a parent or caregiver was available to pick them up.

If the weather wasn't fun for drivers getting to and from work, it was for those who could get out and enjoy the winter wonderland at Mundy Park in Coquitlam.

 And the school grounds at Hillcrest middle on Monday morning was dotted by half-finished snow people.

Weather should clear for Tuesday and Wednesday, with flurries likely returning on Thursday, according to Environment Canada.