The City of Parksville has released a snow removal plan, along with a colour-coded map indicating major plowing routes.
The city said its priority, during and after a snowfall, is to clear major arterial streets (such as Highway 19A and Alberni Highway), as well as access to emergency services. Clearing collector streets (such as Temple Street, Pym Street and Hirst Avenue) is the second priority. Once conditions have stabilized on priority routes, crews will begin to clear residential streets. With continued snowfall, it will take crews longer to reach residential streets, the city said in a media release.
Priority A routes, such as Highway 19A, are outlined in red on the city’s snow removal map.
The city also clears areas 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.
Clearing snow is the responsibility of adjacent property owners, who are required to ensure snow removed from the sidewalks, boulevards or private property is not deposited on the adjoining roadway, city property or highways. There is a $50 fine for breaking Traffic Bylaw No. 1436, according to the city.
During periods of heavy snowfall, in areas of heavy pedestrian traffic adjacent to city-owned property, city crews will clear sidewalks using snow blowers and other snow removal equipment only as availability of equipment and personnel allow.
Wherever possible, the city asks drivers not to park vehicles on the streets during periods of snowfall as this can impede plows and may result in a vehicle buried by snow.
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, according to the release.
Clearing of private roads and parking lots is the responsibility of property owners who are required to ensure that snow removed from their property is not deposited on the adjoining public sidewalks or roadway.
The city follows Council Policy No. 8.10 to ensure municipal streets and sidewalks are maintained in a reasonably safe condition, while balancing budgetary limitations and available personnel and equipment.
