Preparing for and removing snow

We use state-of-the-art technology to monitor weather and road conditions and stay a step ahead of the snow and ice, allowing us to keep our streets clear and our community safe and mobile.

On this page:

Snow removal priority routes

When snow falls or icy conditions are forecast, our crews work hard to make sure residents can safely get to where they need to go, whether they're driving, walking, riding, or taking transit.

Priority route map

Here are our priorities for clearing District streets. Once conditions have stabilized on priority one and two streets, crews attempt to clear local streets.

Priority one
Major arterial streets, bus routes, and access to emergency services, like hospitals

Priority two
Collector streets and streets leading to schools

Priority three
Local streets

Zoom in and out or move around this map to get a close-up view of our priority streets

Learn more about the priority routes

Watch this short video to learn more about our snow clearing priorities.


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Sidewalks, bike lanes and multi-use pathways

While our Streets team focuses on roads, Parks department crews are busy clearing and salting sidewalks, bike lanes, paths and other spots in the following priority order:

  • Priority 1: School zone sidewalks, and drop-off areas
    • Priority 1a: Multi-use pathways, bike lanes
  • Priority 2: Main sidewalks: Mount Seymour Parkway, Mountain Hwy, Lynn Valley Rd, Capilano Rd.
  • Priority 3: Park frontages, and pathways throughout DNV parks

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Keeping sidewalks clear

District residents are responsible for clearing the sidewalks bordering their property by 10am.

Clear sidewalks means that walking is safe and accessible for everyone in the community, but especially for kids walking to school, parents with strollers, or for people who use devices like wheelchairs or scooters. Remember, some residents are dependent upon sidewalks to get around.  

Check in on your neighbours and lend a helping hand for those who need assistance clearing their sidewalks.

Is there an icy or snowy sidewalk in your neighbourhood? Let us know

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Real-time snow updates

Follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on the latest snow clearing activity and road conditions.

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How we prepare for snow

We use state-of-the-art technology to monitor weather and road conditions to stay a step ahead of the snow and ice. We also subscribe to a custom meteorologist service to help forecast snow and ice conditions for the various micro-climates across the District.

With three weather stations strategically located at different elevations, the Snow Command team gets real-time access to air and road temperatures and road-grip conditions and can quickly deploy trucks as needed.

Our fleet and crew

  • 6 three-ton trucks
  • 3 five-ton trucks
  • 4 tandem trucks
  • 6 backhoes
  • 3 ride-on mowers
  • 2 compact tractors
  • 1 bobcat
  • 60 Streets and Parks staff on deck to work 12-hour shifts 24/7

Each season, we stockpile a mountain of salt (2,000-3,000 tonnes used in a typical year) at the operations centre. Our new fully automated brine machine that can produce 10,000 litres per hour is ready to load and refill the trucks.

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What you should do during a snow storm

During a snow storm please:

  • park in your driveway, not on the street
  • remove snow from your sidewalk and footpaths
  • clear snow from catchbasins
  • ​clear snow within 1 meter of any fire hydrant near your property
  • ​observe on-street parking restrictions
  • check in with your neighbours to see if they need anything

For after hours emergencies (4:30pm to 8:00am) please call 604-990-3666.

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Safe driving during snow

You can keep yourself, your family, and other pedestrians and drivers safe, by following a few simple guidelines when the streets are icy or visibility is poor:

  • Slow down, and be sure to leave plenty of space between your car and the one in front of you
  • Check your tires and tire pressure monthly to ensure you'll have good traction on slippery roads
  • Make sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid
  • Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times, in case you have an emergency
  • Get or make an emergency car kit

Get more information on safe winter driving from the Government of Canada.

Learn how to make an emergency kit for your car.

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