Transit options are being rerouted in the Tri-Cities this morning (Jan. 6) as an overnight snowfall and freezing rain wreaks havoc throughout the Metro Vancouver region.
TransLink has issued several rider alerts omitting bus stops on hilly routes due to road conditions, which have included:
- Riverview
- Hickey Drive
- Hillcrest
- Austin Avenue
- North Road
SkyTrain is also experiencing delays, primarily those needing to take the Expo Line through Metro Vancouver. The Evergreen Extension through the Tri-Cities appears to be moving at a safe, steady pace.
As well, West Coast Express is experiencing delays and train four is cancelled due to mechanical issues.
For more information on TransLink alerts and potential delays, you can visit its website.
This comes as about 20 cm of snow fell on the region overnight, which was followed by freezing rain, and more is on the way.
Environment Canada is predicting at least five more centimetres of snow before tomorrow (Jan. 7), as well as between 30 and 50 mm of rain.
The national service is urging commuters to proceed with caution as heavy rainfall on top of melting snow may create slippery road conditions and water pooling.
SCHOOLS CLOSED
School District 43 (SD43) has closed all of its schools for the day.
While classes aren’t in session until Jan. 10, the institutions' buildings have been open as of Tuesday (Jan. 4) for staff to prepare COVID-19 safety procedures as well as to offer supervision for students of essential workers.
Meanwhile, Douglas College is closed and has cancelled all classes, events and activities, including those at its Coquitlam campus (1250 Pinetree Way).
School resumed on Tuesday after the winter break and most classes in the first week are already being conducted online due to ongoing safety concerns about COVID-19 transmission.
GARBAGE COLLECTION
Port Moody has cancelled collection of garbage and recycling for the day due to the snowfall. In a social media post, the city says garbage, recycling, green waste and glass is now scheduled to be picked up on the next regular collection day.
Coquitlam says Recycle BC's contractor — GFL Environmental — is set to attempt to collect recycling along its designated Thursday routes in the city today.
However, garbage and green cart collection has been postponed to tomorrow (Jan. 7) as crews continue to clear all routes in order of priority.
In Port Coquitlam, the city says there will be a slight delay in Zone Two for blue and grey carts resulting from the snow and freezing rain. Crews are encouraging residents to keep bins out until 9 p.m.
