Maple Ridge, B.C., Nov. 19, 2024 – As winter approaches, the City of Maple Ridge is ready for the season and is reminding residents to be prepared for whatever weather may come, from snow to ice.
Winter Preparedness Plan
The City monitors daily weather forecasts to ensure timely brining and salting applications and the winter preparedness plan includes the following key measures:
- Road Maintenance and Snow Removal: The City has stocked up on 5,000 tonnes of salt, sand, and brine to ensure roads remain clear and safe. Crews completed annual training earlier this month and are ready to respond.
- Fleet Readiness: A fleet of 15 vehicles equipped with plows and salting gear are ready to tackle snow and treat priority routes as soon as it begins to fall. Crews will begin with pre-treatments of brine ahead of forecasted snowfalls to reduce ice build-up and keep roads as safe as possible.
- Snowplow Tracker Map: Residents can view real-time snow-clearing operations by visiting MapleRidge.ca/Winter. This tool shows where the fleet vehicles are currently deployed.
- Emergency Readiness: City teams have updated emergency response plans and coordinate with provincial partners and agencies to respond to power outages, facility closures, flooding, or other winter weather emergencies.
- Public Works Inspections: Crews regularly inspect and maintain stormwater drains, ditches, and culverts to prevent flooding during heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt.
- Extreme Weather Shelters: The Salvation Army hosts 30 temporary beds at the Ridge Church for the cold weather shelter which is open until April 30 from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m. Support services are also available at the Community Resource Hub.
“Our team is well-prepared for the challenges of winter weather and our crews are ready to respond 24/7 during snow events,” said Walter Oleschak, Director of Engineering and Operations. “We’ve taken proactive steps to ensure roads remain safe and accessible for our community. We ask residents to do their part by clearing sidewalks and catch basins in front of their property.”
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
The priority route maps are available at MapleRidge.ca/Winter. Crews focus on these routes during snowfall and shift to secondary routes once snow subsides and primary roads are clear.
“We greatly appreciate the community’s patience and understanding during snow events,” said Kirk McLeod, Superintendent of Roads and Fleet. “Our crews work hard to keep roads safe and clear. We encourage everyone to drive cautiously, plan extra time for travel, and give snowplows the space they need to operate effectively.”
Snow and Ice Clearing Responsibilities
The City reminds residents and businesses that they 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 also encourages residents to help neighbors with physical challenges clear their sidewalks.
City crews are deployed to clear sidewalks around civic facilities first, with additional resources directed to other City-owned pathways as they become available.
Partner Responsibilities
The City has a number of partners who are responsible for the following routes:
- Lougheed Highway, from Mission through to Pitt Meadows, including the Haney Bypass, is maintained by Mainroad Group. The City is responsible for the section of Lougheed Highway from Kanaka Way through the downtown to the intersection at 222 Street.
- Golden Ears Way and the Golden Ears Bridge is maintained by Miller Capilano Highway Services
- School sidewalks and parking lots are maintained by School District 42.
Additional Tips for Winter Preparation
To stay safe this winter, the City encourages residents to:
- Get Equipment Ready: Make sure you have a snow shovel, salt, and other snow removal equipment
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include essentials like non-perishable food, water, blankets, warm clothing, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit in both your home and vehicle
- Drive Carefully: Use winter tires and drive cautiously during snowy or icy conditions.
- Stay Informed: Monitor weather alerts from Environment Canada and updates from the City
For more information, including priority route maps and winter preparedness tips, visit MapleRidge.ca/Winter.
- 30 -
Media Contact
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 467-4319 C 778-955-4249
E PPurewal@MapleRidge.ca