Snow and Ice Removal
When winter conditions hit, we're ready. Responding in priority sequences, we:
- take proactive measures such as applying anti-icing materials to roads and pedestrian areas, including sidewalks and pedestrian overpasses, when low temperatures and/or snow are in the forecast
- remove snow and ice from roads and pedestrian areas
The City’s response is guided by the priorities outlined in our Winter Road Maintenance Policy. This policy includes a classification system that assigns priorities to roads and pedestrian areas which are the responsibility of the City to maintain.
City response priorities
We prioritize roads and pedestrian areas to provide a high level of safety on busier routes.
Road priorities and response map |
Roads are classified as Priority 1, 2, or 3. City crews conduct winter road maintenance on a 24 hour a day, seven day a week basis on Priority 1 and Priority 2 roads. Priority 3 roads are maintained during weekday normal business hours. In some cases, parked vehicles or other obstructions can limit winter road maintenance activities. Residents can help us keep roads clear by avoiding parking on roads where possible. View a map of the Snow Response Priorities for Roads (large PDF). Priority 1
We address these routes first to allow for movement of emergency vehicles and buses. Priority 2
Priority 2 roads will be plowed to a passable condition once Priority 1 roads can be maintained to a passable condition. If weather conditions and operational resources allow, Priority 2 roads will be plowed at the same time as Priority 1 roads. Priority 3 Routes maintained by a contractor |
Pedestrian area priorities and response map |
View a map of the Snow Response Priorities for Pedestrian Areas (PDF). Pedestrian areas are classified as Priority 1 or 2. These areas include sidewalks, crosswalks, medians, letdowns, multi-use paths, bus stops, and pedestrian overpasses. Off-street cycling infrastructure is also included in this category. Priority 1 These areas must be maintained to allow access to active transportation networks. Priority 2 |
Parks priorities and response map |
We maintain sidewalk and curb letdowns in City parks. View a map of our Parks Snow and Ice Control Response (PDF). |
Winter road maintenance equipment |
We use the following equipment for winter road maintenance:
We use the following equipment in parks for sidewalk and parking lot maintenance:
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To ask a question about snow and ice response or report a problem, please fill out our online form or call 604-469-4574.
Resident and business responsibilities
Clear sidewalks adjacent to your property
Help us keep sidewalks clear and safe! We can all do our part – please make sure you are aware of your responsibilities as outlined in our Sidewalk and Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw.
Residents, strata corporations, and businesses must remove snow and ice from sidewalks bordering their property within 24 hours of a snowfall or storm event, or by 10am if the property is located on a Priority Pedestrian Route.
Priority pedestrian routes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Priority Pedestrian Routes are sidewalks near Port Moody SkyTrain stations that typically see higher volumes of commuter pedestrian traffic. They are identified in the Sidewalk and Boulevard Maintenance, Schedule A as follows:
If the sidewalk bordering your property is a Priority Pedestrian Route, you must remove snow or ice by 10am every day. |
Failure to keep sidewalks fronting your property clear may result in a fine of $100. Failure to remove snow or ice from a Priority Pedestrian Route may result in fines ranging from $100 (for a first offence) to $500.
Fines may be issued daily until the sidewalk is cleared. In addition to daily fines, the City may decide to complete the work the clear the sidewalk at the owner’s expense.
Ensure fire hydrants are accessible
Also under the Sidewalk and Boulevard Bylaw Maintenance Bylaw, residents, strata corporations, and business owners are required to clear snow from on and around fire hydrants to ensure emergency access. Fines for violating the bylaw start at $100.
Follow parking guidelines and regulations
Cars parked or abandoned on roads can prevent the safe passage of snowplows and affect the progress of city-wide maintenance efforts during winter conditions. We ask all residents to avoid parking on the street whenever possible when weather conditions include snow and/or ice.
In some areas, where it is especially difficult for snowplows to pass next to parked cars, we implement seasonal parking restrictions from December 1 to March 15. Restricting parking in these areas allows plows to pass safely and efficiently, keeping the roads clear and minimizing the potential for damage to parked cars.
Seasonal parking restrictions | ||||||||||
For 2023-2024, seasonal parking restrictions will be in effect for specific sections of the following roads:
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Seasonal restrictions apply during snowfall events, with parking allowed as per normal parking regulations when there is no active snowfall or no active snow/ice response in progress. Please follow instructions on posted road signs, which indicate when and where parking restrictions apply.
Throughout the winter months, we monitor the effectiveness of seasonal parking restrictions and make adjustments as needed.
Be a good neighbour
Here are some ways you can help during or after a snowfall event:
- please help others who may need assistance with shovelling snow
- remember to clear any catch basins adjacent to your property so that melting snow doesn't cause flooding
- remove snow from in front of fire hydrants so first responders have easy access in an emergency
- do not shovel snow from sidewalks or driveways onto the road, as this creates more work for snow plows and may result in a plow pushing the snow back onto your driveway
- when shoveling, pile snow to the right of your driveway (when looking out at the street from your front door) as this gives you a better line of sight to approaching traffic
- during or after a snowfall, avoid parking on public roads so that your vehicle does not obstruct snow removal equipment
- only drive if you are comfortable in winter conditions, and make sure your vehicle is properly equipped with snow tires and an emergency kit
Has someone helped you out by shoveling snow? Nominate them to be recognized as a Snow Star.
Waste collection service interruptions
Collection of garbage, green waste, recycling, and glass may be delayed or cancelled during extreme weather events. Download our Solid waste app to receive alerts and updates so you can stay informed.
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