If the snow is bedeviling you, the city has some angels on your side.
The City of Vancouver’s Snow Angels program aims to connect seniors and those with mobility challenges to other people in their neighbourhood who can help shovel their sidewalks.
The program works via the city’s VanConnect app or through calling the 3-1-1 information line. Once a service request is made, city staff then link up the two parties.
As of Dec. 9, 17 volunteers had signed up and 45 requests for snow clearing came into the city.
Those wanting to lend a hand will be asked for contact information and the area they’re able to help out in: a range of choices between three and 50 blocks are offered.
If needed, salt will be provided by the city. Prospective helpers need to bring their own shovel, warm clothing and be in reasonably good shape.
Assigned sidewalks must be shovelled within 12 hours of the request coming in and volunteers are asked to shovel public sidewalks only and not accept gifts or money for their help.
For more information on the program, log on to vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/snow-angel.aspx.
