Mayor Gregor Robertson says he plans to be in Vancouver this weekend for what could be the region’s next dump of snow that is forecast to begin falling Friday morning.
Robertson was absent for most of the city’s recent cold snap and faced criticism from Opposition councillors while residents were left to negotiate snowy and icy roads and sidewalks.
“I’m here this weekend,” he told reporters Thursday. “I do travel and represent the city all over the place. I’m not always in Vancouver every time there’s a snowstorm.”
He said city crews, which have more than 40 pieces of equipment including salt trucks and plows, have been at work preparing the roads with brine and “making sure we’re ahead of the curve.”
The forecast is for less than five centimetres of snow, although the mayor acknowledged the weather reports are inconsistent. If snow does fall, he urged residents to shovel their sidewalks and help neighbours who are unable to use a shovel. Robertson also said the city’s “snow angels” program can be accessed for residents who need assistance clearing a driveway or sidewalk.
The cold snap -- and resulting snow and ice stuck to city streets and sidewalks through December and into January -- has cost the city more than $3 million, with that tab to increase for extensive road repairs, said Jerry Dobrovolny, the city’s general manager of engineering.
“We’re still adding up all the costs,” he said. “What we’re finding, and as residents are seeing, a tremendous number of potholes and damage to infrastructure. Some of our electrical utilities conduit are damaged by the salt water and freezing temperatures.”
Dobrovolny said the plan the city has in place to tackle this weekend’s possible snowfall is “scalable,” and depends on the amount of snow and conditions. The plan does not involve clearing side streets, as has been the case with previous snowfalls. Historically in Vancouver, the weather warms up and the snow melts.
“We’ll put out as many pieces of equipment and crews as we need to in order to stay ahead of the game,” he said, noting the city’s priority is major arterial roads, including large truck and bus routes. Bikeways are also a priority. “If there is an accumulation of snow, then we’ll shovel and clear it from bus stops and pedestrian areas.”
If an area requires attention, the city requests residents report the problem on the city's VanConnect app or by calling 3-1-1. The city will monitor requests to identify problem areas and dispatch crews.
During the most recent cold snap, the city dumped piles of salt at firehalls for residents to pick up for free. Dobrovolny said stores have restocked their shelves with salt, so he doesn’t anticipate the city offering more salt at firehalls.
“Right now, there’s no need to,” he said.
With temperatures dropping, the city will open up three community centres for people seeking refuge from the cold overnight. The West End, Britannia and Carnegie centres will be open tonight and Friday night.
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