When cold weather is forecasted, our essential workers in Engineering services begin planning consistent and coordinated efforts for snow and ice treatments on priority routes around the city.
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Snow and ice treatment locations
We have over 100 vehicles and equipment for snow and ice treatment along with 3000 tonnes of salt at our yards, and hundreds of personnel available to deploy as required.
Our priority locations for snow and ice treatment are:
- Major roads
- Bus routes
- Emergency access routes (including five major hospitals and two health care facilities)
- Bridges and viaducts (roads, sidewalks, and staircases)
- School routes
- Four key pedestrian pathways
- False Creek Seawall (from Burrard Bridge south side to north side)*
- Coal Harbour Seawall (from Burrard St to Alberni St)
- Arbutus Greenway
- Central Valley Greenway*
*Sections of these routes are adjacent to private property and are cleared by the property owner as per the Street and Traffic By-law
- 16 most-used bike routes
- Arterial bus stops and corner ramps
The following are not included in our snow response:
- Residential side streets (excluding locations on priority routes)
- Sidewalks adjacent to non-City owned property
- Laneways (unless required for City collection operations)
We'll treat locations as resources allow to reduce further impact.
The Vancouver Park Board’s snow and ice control schedule ensures major park access roads, primary parking areas, and perimeter and direct internal park pathways in the downtown area are maintained.
Shovel your sidewalk
Vancouver property owners and occupants are responsible for removing all snow and ice from the full width of sidewalks in front of and, if on a corner lot, alongside their property each day by 10am when there is snow on the sidewalks or freezing temperatures.
Note Failure to remove snow and ice within a 24 hour period could result in a fine of $250 to $750 per offence.
To keep our sidewalks and streets safe for people walking, cycling, and driving:
- Shovel snow onto your property, away from the road and sidewalk by 10am every day
- Clear storm drains of leaves and snow to prevent flooding
- Ask someone to clear your sidewalk if you're away or unable to or request a Snow Angel
Owners and occupants who fail to remove snow and ice according to Traffic By-law 2849, section 76 may be subject to escalating tickets, fines, or both.
There is no requirement in the by-laws for snow to be cleared from private property, whether residential or commercial.
Important note On March 31, 2021, City Council approved recommendations to increase the priority for pedestrians during winter weather including:
- Establishment of Winter Priority Sidewalks designation
- Improvements to section 76 of Traffic By-Law 2849, to support increased safety and compliance
- Formalization of a Snow and Ice Treatment Policy PDF file (110 KB), which communicates the expected level of snow and ice treatment the City will provide during winter weather conditions
Read the Council report PDF file (379 KB), the Snow and Ice Treatment Policy PDF file (110 KB), and Traffic By-law 2849, section 76 below for more information.
Snow and ice concerns
Snow removal
By City of Vancouver
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Shovel your sidewalk
By City of Vancouver
All property owners must clear snow and ice from sidewalks around their property by 10:00am every day. Unable to clear the snow? Ask a neighbour for help or request a Snow Angel. Failure to remove snow and ice may result in fines. Learn the rules about snow removal in our Street and Traffic Bylaw (section 76).
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Prepare your snow gear early
By City of Vancouver
Make sure you have shovels and salt before it starts to snow. Double check your winter gear and ensure you have boots that are safe for walking in.
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Get snow tires
By City of Vancouver
If you drive through the winter, consider getting tires with the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol or the mud and snow symbol, with at least 3.5mm tread. The Province of BC requires these tires on provincial highways from October 1 to April 30. Learn more about winter tires.
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Move your car
By City of Vancouver
We plow major roads, bus routes, school routes, and emergency routes. When you move your car to a side street or garage, we can make sure snow along these routes is cleared.
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Avoid driving if you can
By City of Vancouver
Check transit schedules at translink.ca for commuting alternatives.
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Be safe, be seen
By City of Vancouver
In darker, wet weather, visibility is limited and changing road conditions make it harder to see. Wear lights and reflective gear, and make eye contact with other road users. Whether you're walking, biking, rolling, or driving, being mindful about how you travel can help make sure everyone gets home safe. Learn more about our goal for zero traffic-related fatalities.
