The city has launched a program to match residents unable to shovel snow from their sidewalk with able-bodied volunteers willing to help.
Snow Angel coordinator Alfred Liu said the idea for the program was conceived last year, but its being taken to the next level in time for snow this winter.
Last year we put it out there as a community message, said Lui. There was no formal program, it was really just a public service announcement.
The goal of the Snow Angel program is to ensure the elderly, residents with disabilities, seniors living alone and low-income families will have the sidewalk in front of their home shovelled. The city is coordinating with some community policing and community centres to create lists of volunteers in a neighbourhood willing to pick up a snow shovel. To date, the West End Coal Harbour and Grandview Woodlands community policing centres are on board.
According to the citys snow removal bylaw, all Vancouver property owners and tenants are responsible for cleaning snow and ice from the full width of the sidewalks that surround their home or business by 10 a.m. on the day of the snowfall. Property owners and occupants who fail to comply by that time may receive a $250 ticket or fines up to $2,000.
The city will supply shovels to volunteer groups that get involved with the program. Shovels can also be loaned out to neighbours.
The program is being coordinated through the citys 311 Contact system, which is staffed from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. If a resident needs help shovelling their sidewalk they can call 311 to see if they qualify for the Snow Angel program. Staff at the 311 centre will contact the closest volunteers to see if someone can help.
With Environment Canada calling for signs of snow this week, Lui said residents must think about their most vulnerable neighbours. He hopes student groups will get involved. Exceptions to the 10 a.m. deadline for snow removal can be made.
If a student has classes, but can make it out after school well help facilitate that, Lui said.
He added if a resident is unable to shovel their walk and no volunteer can be found to do the job, a city inspector will be notified who will meet with them to find a solution.
Volunteers will be eligible to be nominated as an official Snow Angel. Lui said what exactly a Snow Angel will receive in return for their labour has yet to be decided, but it could vary from a gift for their school to a mug with hot chocolate or cider. Groups and individuals can also earn community service hours, receive a thank-you letter from the city and win prizes.
According to Environment Canadas website Wednesday afternoon, the city could see snow at higher elevations any time. Snowfall in the city can vary dramatically from year to year. In 1998 the city spent $1.1 million on snow removal, compared to zero dollars in 2001. The citys annual budget for snow removal, including equipment maintenance, purchasing salt and training staff is $40,000.
To volunteer with the Snow Angel program call 311.
Twitter: @sthomas10
