With temperatures dropping and flurries in the forecast, West Kelowna’s winter road maintenance begins. Residents can help with snow removal efforts by:

-  Making room for the plows:
During times of heavy or persistent snowfalls, residents are asked not to park vehicles on street to ensure plows are able to efficiently remove snow from West Kelowna roads.

Residents are asked to note that snow plows cannot avoid depositing snow in front of driveways when clearing streets. The District’s priority is to provide safe travel lanes for motorists. To minimize the amount of snow left in front of driveways, please shovel snow to the left side (when facing the property).

-  Keeping sidewalks safe:
Residents are required to clear snow from sidewalks and pedestrian accesses fronting their properties within 24 hours of snowfall. The District of West Kelowna clears sidewalks and walkways adjacent to civic buildings and in the vicinity of select pedestrian accesses and parks.

-  Placing garbage bins correctly:
Waste collection bins should be placed in a cleared area near the curb whenever possible. Please put out bins by 7 a.m. on the date of collection and remove snow from the lids. Please do not place carts in an area where they will obstruct snow plows, traffic or pedestrians.

-  Know, and prepare for, winter driving conditions:
Residents are asked to drive to suit the road conditions. When possible, plan for extra travel time during snowfall. Please ensure you have appropriate winter tires and familiarize yourself with driving in winter conditions.

The District has provided comprehensive information on its website regarding snow removal including a Snow Clearing Priorities Map. Snow removal is conducted on a priority basis with the top priority for clearing being arterial and collector roads, transit routes and roads with steep grades. School zones, school bus routes, town centres and population centres are also prioritized before all other local roads. It is important to note that during times of heavy and persistent snowfalls, road crews must continue to focus on higher priority roads in the municipality. This can lead to a delay in snow removal on local roads.

Please visit www.districtofwestkelowna.ca for more information. West Kelowna residents may find helpful information including winter driving tips and snow tire information on the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s website at www.th.gov.bc.ca/SeasonalDriving/ or by visiting www.shiftintowinter.ca.

The District values input from the public regarding its snow removal service. Please contact us during regular hours at 778-797-2225 or roads@districtofwestkelowna.ca or after hours at 1-866-353-3136.

News from © iNFOnews, 2013