Snow and ice control

Questions & Answers about snow operations

• What are the sanding and plowing priorities?

  Sanding and plowing priorities are determined by traffic volume and road conditions, including the steepness of the terrain. Main (arterial) roads are cleared first to ensure safe travel for the greatest number of vehicles. Once those are complete, crews move on to local and residential streets, with lanes and cul-de-sacs plowed last.

• Why haven't the plow trucks plowed my street?

  During a snowfall, plow trucks focus on main (arterial) streets to keep essential routes open for emergency and transit vehicles. Once the snowfall ends, crews begin clearing residential streets, which can take up to 72 hours to complete, depending on the severity of the storm and weather conditions.

• Why is liquid sprayed on the roads in the winter?

  Magnesium chloride is applied to high-priority streets before and during snowstorms to help improve road safety. The liquid is used at different concentrations depending on temperature and expected snowfall.

  This treatment helps prevent snow and ice from bonding to the road surface, making it easier for plows to clear the roads. The anti-icing program is a proactive approach designed to improve safety at the start of a storm rather than waiting to react once snow and ice have already built up.

• Why can't you remove the snow from my driveway entrance?

  Clearing snow from more than 6,000 driveways across Vernon would require a significant increase in equipment, staffing, and the snow and ice control budget. To keep operations efficient and costs manageable for taxpayers, plows are designed to push snow to the right-hand side of the road.

  Residents and businesses are responsible for clearing the snow from their own driveways. This approach allows crews to focus on keeping roads safe and passable for everyone.

• Where should I pile my snow?

  Always pile snow on your property or approved areas, keeping it off streets, sidewalks, and lanes. Please do not place snow on the road. Always pile snow on your property or approved areas, keeping it off streets, sidewalks, and lanes. 

  Piling snow on the road is not permitted under the City’s Traffic Bylaw #5600 and helps prevent dangerous situations for drivers, pedestrians, and snow removal crews.

• Why does the plow go by once, and after I clean my sidewalks and driveway, the plow comes by again?

  Plow trucks are designed to clear a single lane to keep traffic moving safely. After heavy snowfalls, graders and loaders may return to push back windrows and ensure there is enough room for future snowfalls.

  The City also makes every effort to avoid plowing snow onto sidewalks, but additional passes may be needed to manage large amounts of snow and maintain safe road conditions.

• What is a windrow?

  A windrow is the line or pile of snow left at the edge of the road or driveway after a plow passes. Windrows can block driveway entrances or reduce space on the street, which is why graders or loaders may need to come back after heavy snowfalls to push them back and clear room for future snow.

• Why are there piles of snow in the centre of the road downtown?

  Snow is plowed to the centre of the street in the early morning to ensure that parking areas remain clear and accessible. These snow piles are usually removed the following night using snow blowers and trucks.

• Why can’t the trucks plow all the snow to the other side of the street where there are no sidewalks or driveways?

  Snowplows are designed to push snow to the right-hand side of the road. Plowing all snow to the other side would require driving on the wrong side of the road, creating an unsafe traffic situation.

  It would also take longer to clear streets, meaning residents on streets not yet serviced would have to wait even more time for snow removal.

• Who maintains the highways in the winter?

  The Ministry of Transportation and Transit is responsible for maintenance of Highway 97 and Highway 6 through the City. The Ministry contracts a highway maintenance company to carry out snow removal and other road maintenance on these highways.

• Who is responsible for clearing the sidewalk in front of my property?

  Property owners or occupants are asked to clear snow and ice from the sidewalks along their property within 24 hours after a snowfall. This helps keep everyone in the neighbourhood safe. If a sidewalk isn’t cleared, a Bylaw Enforcement Officer may step in, and the cost could be charged to the property owner.

  The City takes care of snow removal on paved trails, sidewalks near civic buildings, and main roads such as 27th Street, Highway 6, and Highway 97. If you notice a sidewalk that hasn’t been cleared, please call Bylaw Enforcement at 250-550-3505.

• I have trouble shovelling my sidewalk and/or driveway. What can I do?

  If you’re unable to clear snow yourself, consider asking a neighbour, friend, or relative for assistance. You may also wish to hire a local maintenance service or a young person in your neighbourhood to help with snow removal.

• How can I help with snow and ice removal?

  You can make a big difference by helping snow removal crews do their job safely and efficiently:

  • Move vehicles off snow routes (streets, cul-de-sacs, and alleys) once snow starts falling until roads are cleared.

  • Clear sidewalks along your property and try to pile snow in your front yard rather than back onto the street.