Environment Canada has ended its snowfall warning for the Tri-Cities after at least 20 cm of snow rapidly fell on the region overnight.
Possibly more depending on where you live.
While the white stuff has added a wonderland quality to places like Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody, it's led to some problems out on the roads.
In a statement, officials are asking the public to remain patient as crews are continuing to plow priority roads.
In Coquitlam, more than 20 cm of snow acummulated in just a few hours according to public works director Brad Lofgren.
He explains the city is not short on staffing to complete each route and conditions appear to be normal.
"There is no snow melt occurring, and the salt is considerably less effective at melting snow," he says.
"The vast majority of local roads have been perfectly passable, but it does require that residents be prepared for winter driving conditions. These conditions are occurring all over the Lower Mainland at this time."
Lofgren adds priority two routes are currently being taken care of and, barring any further issues, priority three roads are set to be plowed in the evening.
TRANSIT AND HIGHWAYS
TransLink is encouraging riders to give themselves extra time to get to where they need to go, including in Port Coquitlam where the organization says there are challenges for buses.
SkyTrains are still running in and out of the region, TransLink explains in an update this morning (Dec. 30), but may be slower than normal as attendants are running each train to navigate the snowy conditions.
The West Coast Express line is operating as normal and HandyDART buses are only running for essential services.
"Currently, we are running de-icer on trolley overheads, switching articulated 60’ buses to 40’ buses, as they are more agile in snowy conditions, running special SkyTrain de-icer on the power rail to keep trains moving and running trains overnight to keep SkyTrain tracks clear," a statement reads.
"TransLink has been in constant communication with each Metro Vancouver municipality to advise which roads should be prioritized for clearing."
DriveBC is reporting slippery and slushy sections along all major highways running through the Tri-Cities.
This includes the Trans Canada (Highway 1), Lougheed (Highway 7), Barnet (Highway 7A) and the Mary Hill Bypass (Highway 7B).
There are currently no regional closures or incidents reported by the provincial service.
Environment Canada says the snow is set to return by New Year's Day Saturday (Jan. 1, 2022), but it's unclear how much is set to fall as of this publication.
The high that day is predicted to be zero degrees with potential rain and wind in the evening.
GARBAGE COLLECTION
In Coquitlam, garbage and recycling pick-up is cancelled today because of the snow, the city says in a social media post.
Crews are expected to empty garbage carts tomorrow (Dec. 31) and any missed recycling is set ot be picked up on the next scheduled collection date — Jan. 6, 2022.
Zone Three waste collection in Port Coquitlam is still going to get picked up, but the city says there may be a delay.
Meanwhile, several trucks have been out in full force since 10 p.m. last night to plow and salt higher priority routes, which has continued well into this morning, as well as parks.
"Snow accumulation of approximately 25-30 cm overnight," states Mayor Brad West in a social media post.
"Due to the volume of snow, staff have continued to focus on priority 1’s. Staff will start on priority 2’s as soon as 1’s are clear."
Port Moody has cancelled its green cart collection for the Thursday Zone due to the heavy snowfall in its vicinity.
However, residents can still put their garbage out for collection. If it's not taken by 8 p.m., you're encouraged to call the city at 604-469-4574.
PoMo snow plows are working to clear local streets and are asking residents to move their vehicles off the road so workers can get through.
VACCINE CLINIC
The COVID-19 mass immunization and testing centre in Coquitlam is reducing its hours today because of the current road conditions.
The station is now closing at 5:30 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. — located in the Coquitlam Central SkyTrain Park and Ride overflow lot.
Residents with appointments after that time are encouraged to:
- Arrive earlier and Fraser Health will honour the booking
- Go to the Surrey North COVID-19 immunization centre (10025 King George Blvd.) between 1 and 6 p.m.
.@Fraserhealth reduces hours at Coquitlam mass COVID-19 vaccine clinic today (Dec. 30) due to poor road conditions caused by overnight snowfall ❄️ Now closing at 5:30 p.m., residents with appts after that time are encouraged to go to Surrey 👇 | #CoquitlamBC @TriCityNews https://t.co/tsIgsJgdxz
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) December 30, 2021
STAY OFF THE ICE
Coquitlam is asking residents and visitors to stay off the ice at local lakes and ponds.
On Wednesday (Dec. 29), city officials issued a thin ice safety alert as it may not be as thick as it appears in places like Como Lake.
"Ice stability can be very deceptive, with conditions impacted by shade from trees, water turbidity and currents," parks manager Kathy Reinheimer explains in a news release.
"By being on the ice people put themselves, others and local first responders at a safety risk."
Reminder signs have been placed along Como Lake, as well as in other parks across Coquitlam.
Reinheimer adds the city does not permit anyone entering upon, walking, ice skating, cycling, driving or "any other access" on frozen water in a local park.
