Share your thoughts on the City’s snow and ice response at Mayor’s Town Hall on February 27

The City is taking a look at how we respond to major snowfall events, and Mayor and Council want to hear from you – what are your experiences and ideas? Port Moody residents are invited to share their thoughts at the Mayor’s Town Hall on Snow and Ice Response on Monday, February 27, 2023. Please join us from 7pm to 9pm at the Inlet Theatre and Civic Centre Galleria (100 Newport Drive) for a presentation and roundtable discussions. 

Advance registration is required as seating is limited. Please fill out a quick and easy registration form online at portmoody.ca/snowandice or call 604-469-4500. 

“We know that snow and ice on our roads and sidewalks can have a big impact on people’s lives,” said Mayor Meghan Lahti. “Our City crews do an amazing job preparing for and responding to major snowfall events. We want to help people understand our current policies, procedures, and budget considerations, and then hear directly from our residents on their experiences and ideas. What is the City doing well? Where do you see a need for improvement? And how do you think the City could achieve a higher level of service? We want to know what you think – please join us on February 27.” 

After an initial presentation, attendees will participate in three roundtable discussions: roadway priorities; pedestrian priorities; and general feedback and idea generation. Mayor and Council, as well as City staff, will be present to hear what residents have to say. 

During a major snowfall event, the City’s response is guided by the procedures and priorities outlined in our Winter Road Maintenance Policy. All input collected at the Mayor’s Town Hall will inform Council’s decision-making as they consider whether to make changes to this policy and the associated budget. 

The Winter Road Maintenance Policy includes a classification system that assigns priorities to roads and pedestrian areas that are the responsibility of the City to maintain. Roads are classified as Priority 1, 2, or 3. City crews address Priority 1 roads (major arterial routes that form transportation connections and facilitate movement across the city, routes that connect with regional roads and highways, and routes that provide access to schools) first to allow for movement of emergency vehicles and buses. 

Pedestrian areas are classified as Priority 1 or 2. City crews address Priority 1 pedestrian areas (within 800 metres of Inlet Centre and Moody Centre SkyTrain stations) first to allow for access to active transportation networks. Please note that sidewalks adjacent to private properties are the responsibility of property owners and tenants. Visit portmoody.ca/snowandice for more information and to view maps of our response priorities for roads, pedestrian areas, and City parks. 

Can’t make it on February 27? No problem. Starting February 28, 2023, you’ll have a chance to share your thoughts on snow and ice response as well as a number of other City services during our 2023 Budget Consultation. Visit Engage Port Moody, our online public engagement hub, between February 28 and March 19 to fill out a community survey and tell us how you think Council should balance service levels and tax rates.