Information and commonly asked snow and ice program questions.
- What are Saanich's priority snow removal routes?
- What should I do if there’s a medical or safety emergency at my property and my street hasn’t been plowed?
- Why won’t a snowplow be deployed to my street, if I report that it is impassable/not drivable?
- How do I report slippery or impassable roads or sidewalks?
- Why do some parking lots get plowed and others don't?
- Who is responsible to clearing the sidewalk outside my house?
- The sidewalk is very slippery by my house, what should I do?
- My neighbour hasn’t cleared their sidewalk. What should I do?
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1. What are Saanich's priority snow removal routes?
The districts first priority routes consist of our high traffic volume major and collector streets, designated BC Transit bus routes and some pre-identified steep hills.
2. What should I do if there’s a medical or safety emergency at my property and my street hasn’t been plowed?
Call 911. Emergency response agencies will contact us if the street requires service for them to access.
3. Why won’t a snowplow be deployed to my street, if I report that it is impassable?
To maximize efficiencies it’s important that crews stick to the pre-scheduled assigned priority routes:
- High traffic volume major and collector road network,
- Examples of Major streets include McKenzie, Quadra, Shelbourne, Cedar Hill
- Examples of Major Collectors include North Diary, Feltham, Reynolds
- Designated BC Transit bus routes, and
- Pre-identified steep hills.
Clearing these priority routes will continue while adverse weather conditions exist. Once these routes remain drivable, we then start on our lower traffic volume minor collector roads and residential streets. Priority is given to minor collectors and residential streets scheduled for greener garbage collection during the snow event to ensure collection continues.
We will respond to emergency services (Police, Fire, Ambulance) issues only; all areas of the municipality need to be considered and systematically dealt with to ensure efficiencies.
In the case of an emergency, call 911. They will contact us if the street requires service for them to access.
4. How do I report slippery or impassable roads or sidewalks?
Fill out a Report a Problem or call 250-475-5599 (24/7). Motorists are to use caution while driving during winter conditions.
If you must drive, drive according to the road conditions in a vehicle properly equipped for winter driving. Better yet, enjoy a snow day and stay home or take BC Transit.
We will respond to emergency services (Police, Fire, Ambulance) issues only; all areas of the municipality need to be considered and systematically dealt with to ensure efficiencies.
5. Why do some parking lots get plowed and others don't?
Saanich Parks plows municipal facilities in priority sequencing. Private lots are the responsibility of the owner of the property.
6. Who is responsible for clearing the sidewalks?
This is dependent on the location of the sidewalk. It's up to residents to keep the sidewalks around their property clear. Saanich Parks clears snow and ice from our municipal facility entrances and parking lots using a similar priority sequencing system. Public Works is responsible for clearing sidewalks on designated bridges and pedestrian overpasses/underpasses in our road network and assists with clearing designated bus stops and shelters.
7. The sidewalk is very slippery by my house, what should I do?
Apply fine gravel, salt, clay kitty litter or sand to make less slippery and help melt the ice.
8. My neighbour hasn’t cleared their sidewalk. What should I do?
Consider being a good neighbour and clearing their sidewalk while you do your own, especially they are an elderly person or someone with limited mobility. By law, Streets and Traffic Regulation Bylaw No. 8382 property owners are to keep sidewalks adjacent to your property clear of snow by 10 a.m. the following morning after a snow fall. Residents can report non-compliance to our Bylaw Enforcement Section by calling 250-475-5456 or filling in our Report a Problem form. Please note complaints will receive response as resources allow.