The City of Parksville will prioritize major roads for snow clearing and is reminding residents of their responsibility to clear sidewalks in front of their property.
“The city’s first priority during and after a snowfall is to clear major arterial streets (such as Island Highway, Alberni Highway) as well as access to emergency services,” said Deb Tardiff, manager of communications in a city press release.
Residents can view a colour-coded map of priority routes by accessing the map on the City website.
Residents are asked not to park vehicles on the streets during periods of snowfall as this impedes the travel of plows and may result in a vehicle being buried by snow, Tardiff said.
“During the plowing of streets, a windrow of snow may be formed across driveways. Unfortunately this is unavoidable, especially during heavy snowfalls. As the city does not have the equipment or personnel for a private driveway/access clearing program, it is the owner’s responsibility to open access to the adjoining roadway,” she said.
Once the city has cleared the highways and secondary streets connecting them, it will begun clearing residential streets, according to a press release.
The city performs other snow clearing duties such as the Parksville Fire Department access and lot, Parksville Community Centre access and lot, Parksville Civic and Technology Centre access and lot and other city parking lots as required.
Property owners are not permitted to deposit snow from their property onto the adjoining roadway, city property or highways — the city said there is a possible $50 fine.
