Maple Ridge, B.C., Jan. 29, 2025 – With snow in the forecast for this weekend and next week, the City of Maple Ridge advises residents to stay safe and prepared for winter conditions.
City crews and equipment are prepared and ready to respond to the winter conditions.
The City’s Snow Response Plan
- Road Maintenance and Snow Removal: The City is stocked with 5000 tonnes of salt, sand, and brine to maintain safe roads. Crews have been trained and will begin pre-treating roads with brine ahead of snowfall to reduce ice buildup.
- Fleet Readiness: A fleet of 15 vehicles equipped with plows and salting gear is ready to go and will be deployed as soon as snow accumulates.
- Priority Route Clearing: The City focuses on key routes first, including emergency access routes, main transit corridors, and high-traffic roads. Priority route maps are available at MapleRidge.ca/Winter.
- Public Works Inspections: Storm drains, ditches, and culverts are regularly inspected to prevent flooding from heavy snowfall or melting ice.
- Extreme Weather Shelters: The Salvation Army provides 55 beds at 22188 Lougheed Hwy and 30 temporary beds at the Ridge Church, available nightly until April 30 from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Temporary Warming Centre open at Greg Moore Youth Centre (11925 Haney Place) Feb. 2 to 3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. City recreation facilities and Maple Ridge Library open during regular operating hours.
What Residents Can Do to Prepare
- Check Your Supplies: Ensure you have a snow shovel, salt, and winter gear ready. Keep an emergency kit in your home and vehicle with food, water, warm clothing, flashlights, and first-aid supplies.
- Drive with Caution: Use winter tires, reduce speed, and allow extra travel time in snowy or icy conditions. Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and give them space to work.
- Winterize Your Home: Protect pipes and exterior faucets from freezing, and keep the internal temperature in your home above 15C.
- Clear Catch Basins: Remove snow and debris from storm drains to keep the water flowing and prevent localized flooding.
- Dress for the Weather: If you plan to be outdoors, wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia, and limit your time outdoors.
- Stay Informed: Monitor weather alerts from Environment Canada and follow the City’s social media channels @YourMapleRidge for updates on snow-clearing efforts.
- Snow Plow Tracker: Residents can view real-time snow-clearing operations by visiting MapleRidge.ca/Winter. This tool shows where the fleet vehicles are currently deployed.
Clear Your Sidewalk
Residents and businesses are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks, stairs, ramps and foot paths bordering their properties by 10:00 a.m. after snowfall. Those who do not clear sidewalks can face fines of up to $150. The City encourages residents to help neighbours with physical challenges clear their sidewalks.
Snow Response Priority Routes
Once snow starts falling, City crews will clear priority routes based on the following criteria:
- Access for first responders and emergency facilities
- Main transit routes
- High-volume arterial roads
- Roads providing sole access to large neighbourhoods
Crews focus on these routes during snowfall and shift to secondary routes once snow subsides and primary roads are clear.
City crews first clear sidewalks around civic facilities, with additional resources directed to other City-owned pathways as they become available.
Know Who Maintains What:
- Lougheed Highway (Mission to Pitt Meadows), including Haney Bypass –Mainroad Group.
- Lougheed Highway (Kanaka Way through downtown to 222 Street) – City.
- Golden Ears Way and Golden Ears Bridge –Miller Capilano Highway Services.
- School sidewalks and parking lots – School District 42.
For more tips on winter preparedness, visit MapleRidge.ca/WinterReady.
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Media Contact
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 467-4319 C 778-955-4249
E PPurewal@MapleRidge.ca