Snow & ice removal
Cleared streets are safer streets.
Be prepared | Become a Snow Angel | Tips | Questions | About us
In order to maximize the effectiveness of available resources, the City's first priority locations for snow and ice removal are:
- Bus routes
- Arterial roadways
- Collector roadways
- Bridges
- Major collector streets
- Emergency access routes (and five major hospitals)
Clear snow and ice from your sidewalk by 10 am
All Vancouver property owners and occupants (tenants) are responsible for clearing snow and ice from the full width of sidewalks that surround their property (shown in blue) by 10 am on the morning following a snowfall, seven days a week. Property owners and occupants who fail to remove snow and ice may be fined. Please make arrangements for someone to clear your sidewalk of snow and ice if you are away or are unable to clear it yourself.
Listen to snow removal radio ad (mp3) (1 mb)
Be prepared
We may get less snow in comparison to the rest of Canada but when it arrives, you need to be prepared.
- Be alert for snow in the weather forecast.
- Visit Environment Canada.
- Purchase your snow shovel, salt and snow tires before the snow hits the ground. Stores tend to run out of these items when the snow arrives.
- Remember to familiarize yourself with public transit. Public transit use goes up during a snow storm. Visit Translink for more information.
- The use of studded tires / chains is permitted between October 1 and April 30. However, remember that when studded tires are used on the front wheels of a vehicle, the law requires you to also use them on the rear wheels. Please visit ICBC for more information or other tips on driving in poor conditions
See the road before you go
Use the helpful map below to see snow removal routes and traffic cameras of city roads.
[top]