The Tri-Cities are girding for snow that is expected to begin falling tonight and through Wednesday.
Coqutilam, Port Moody and Port Coquitlam are all advising residents to limit their travel when the flakes start flying. And if you do have to venture out, make sure you’re prepared for the wintry conditions.
Environment Canada is predicting the snowfall to begin at around 10 p.m. and continue into Wednesday with possible rain or freezing rain mixed in as temperatures hover around freezing. Accumulations could reach 10 to 30 cm.
The storm is expected to subside by Wednesday evening.
In an advisory posted on its website, the city of Coquitlam said 18 trucks have been on the road today, applying brine on priority routes. It is recommending residents park their vehicles on their property rather than the road, to ensure plows can clear streets from curb to curb. The city has implemented parking restrictions on some streets effective noon today.
It’s also reminding residents that sidewalks in front of their homes must be shovelled within 10 hours of a snow event, and not to dump their snow into the road.
“If you shovel onto the street, the plow will push the snow back into your driveway and sidewalk.”
The city said garbage collection might also be affected. Residents can be notified of any disruptions by subscribing to special email alerts.
Port Moody said it will post any information about possible disruptions to its waste collection schedules on its website and social media channels.
The city clears its roads on a priority basis with major commuter and through routes getting top priority, followed by feeder routes and then local streets when the higher-priority routes have been deemed passable.
Sidewalks and pedestrian paths are also prioritized; sidewalks within 800 metres of a SkyTrain station must be cleared by home and business owners by 10 a.m., or within 24 hours for those further afield.
“Please have your shovels — or your contractor’s shovels — ready, and make arrangements with your neighbours if needed,” said a statement on the city’s website.
Volunteer programs to help residents clear snow operate in both Port Moody and Coquitlam.
Port Coquitlam said it’s ready for the snow.
“Crews have ensured all equipment is outfitted, tested and prepped for operation,” said a statement posted on the city’s website late Tuesday afternoon, adding key traffic and pedestrian routes, bridges and islands have been brined in advance of the adverse weather.
As well, some recreation programs scheduled for Wednesday have been cancelled and registered participants have been contacted.
School District 43 said it will make a determination on any school closures by 6:30 with information posted to its website. Updates will also be posted here, at the Tri-City News.
“Should conditions permit schools to remain open, updates will also be available on the district website,” said a statement on the SD43 website. “As always, families can decide whether to send their child(ren) to school based on their specific circumstances.”
