Let it snow let it snow!

Snow Removal Update and Information

When it snows we understand that everyone hopes their road will be plowed first but the District must follow established service routes according to priority in order to complete District-wide snow removal for all roads in an efficient effective manner.

Who to Call

Regular Office Hours

Engineering Department (250) 766-6677

Customer Service Centre (250) 766-5650

email to engineering@lakecountry.bc.ca

After Office Hours Snow Related
Contractor’s dispatch office at 1-866-353-3136

After Hours Non–Snow Related

Roads Duty Pager at 250-317-9780

Highway 97 Problems
Argo Maintenance (under Ministry of Transportation contract) at (250) 766-3970.

Make sure to provide the following information so we can track the call and respond to service requests.

Name
Phone number
Specific location or address
Time of event (if applicable)
Other details if required
Would you like to receive a call back.

Roadside Parking
Snow accumulations can be a real challenge. Roadside parking can significantly hamper snow-clearing efforts, particularly on the narrower side roads. In our conversations with residents, we are asking that they do their best to leave as much room for the plows as possible on the side roads.

Removing Snow from your Driveway
We wish to remind all residents and businesses that snow removed from private drives, walks and parking lots is to be kept on private land and not pushed into the public roadway.

The District’s Snow-Clearing Priorities
Collector roads, school bus and transit routes and steep roads take priority over all other roads in the District. During a period of active snowfall, the contractor will remain on these priority routes to keep them cleared.

All local roads will be serviced once the main roads are cleared and have a reasonable chance of staying cleared. Many local roads are plowed at the same time that the hills are done, whenever it is practical and sensible to do so.

Local roads that are generally flat are the lowest priority. These frequently will not be serviced until the end of a snow event, as repeat-clearing of higher-priority roads during active snowfall takes precedence.

In most cases, local routes can expect to receive service within 48 hours of the end of the snow event.The goal of the snow removal program is to maintain the roads in a passable condition, which does not necessarily mean “bare pavement”. In certain conditions, the application of sand over compact snow will be performed.

On busy routes, traffic works salt and/or sand into the snow, breaking it up and causing the roads to clear with use. Many District roads do not see sufficient traffic to achieve this effect, and a certain amount of compact snow on the road surface is to be expected. Salt application is ineffective below -6C.

Make sure to drive safe out there! Here are some helpful tips from ICBC for driving in the winter conditions!