Snow Removal

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Frequently Asked Questions - Snow Removal and Ice Control

Q. When will my street see a snow plow?

The District of Maple Ridge has prioritized routes for snow removal. The fleet is dispatched out on these pre-set routes when a snowfall builds up on roadways to a depth exceeding 5 cm (2 inches). Arterial, collector and bus routes take priority over other areas. Units may also be dispatched to specific problem areas as priorities allow.

Q. Where are the snow routes?

There are six (6) snow routes in the District of Maple Ridge that includes arterial, collector and bus routes. In addition units are dispatched to specific problem areas as priorities allow.

• Route 1 - 272 St, 280 St, South of Dewdney Trunk Road
• Route 2 - 240 St, 268 St, South of Dewdney Trunk Road
• Route 3 - 232 St, 250 St, North and South of Dewdney Trunk Road
• Route 4 - 252 St, Garibaldi St, North and South of Dewdney Trunk Road
• Route 5 - 203 St, 232 St, Primarily North of Dewdney Trunk Road
• Route 6 - Maple Meadows Way, 240 St, Primarily South of Dewdney Trunk Road

Q. What are the white strips on the dry road?

Based on weather conditions salt brine or rock salt may be pre-applied to roads to lower the freezing temperature of water. This technique is used on priority routes when there is no precipitation.

Q. How come my cul-de-sac never gets plowed?

Plowing of local streets generates numerous complaints of slippery conditions as piles of snow freeze and thaw for many days after a general snow melt. For these reasons curb to curb plowing is not done on local streets. In extreme or extended snow accumulation periods, plowing will be done on a case by case basis to ensure residents can access collector or arterial routes. In most cases this is for snowfall accumulations of greater than 300 mm (12 inches) due to the large inventory of local roads. An additional week would be required to plow local roads after a snowfall.

Q. Do you clear lanes?

Laneways are not cleared by the District of Maple Ridge except when required for an emergency.

Q. Who clears the sidewalks?

Sidewalks are not cleared by the District of Maple Ridge except when they front a property owned by the Municipality or on a Municipal facility such as bridges. Snow removal on sidewalks is regulated by Maple Ridge Highway & Traffic Bylaw #3136-1982 Section 9.1 which reads as follows:

"Every owner or occupier of real property shall remove snow, ice, leaves, dirt or other debris from sidewalks, stairs, ramps and foot paths bordering the real property as well as walkways, ramps and stairs on real property which are open to the public, no later than 10:00 o'clock in the morning on the day following the accumulation"

Complaints are addressed on a priority basis.

Q. I run on a trail behind my house. When will it be cleared?

Public walkways and trails are not cleared by the District of Maple Ridge.

Q. I am about to have a medical emergency and want my street done as a precaution.

Call 911 if you have a medical, fire or police emergency. Under their direction it is our first priority to provide access to emergency sites for medical, fire and police response.  Call 811 for non-emergency medical issues.