Snow plows and salting trucks are still out and about a day after roughly 25 cm of snow fell on the Tri-Cities — or more if you live on a mountain or steep hill.
Most municipalities have reportedly given each street the once over in moving snow to the side or out of the way, completing all Priority One routes so local residents can experience smoother commutes today (Dec. 21).
Arterial roads are "in good condition," the City of Coquitlam said in its latest update this morning, and has deployed 17 vehicles to pick up where they left off.
So, what's next?
City crews are now out widening lanes and spot cleaning the main routes, and will move on to Priority Two and Three roads that may have been missed in the last 48 hours.
As well, Tri-Cities communities will turn their attention to ice control as an arctic outflow warning in effect by Environment Canada dropping temperatures below -10 C.
Officials stated many neighbourhood roads "will not bare pavement" and that "motorists should expect compact snow and winter driving conditions."
Sidewalks and trails are also top-of-mind, especially on Port Coquitlam's agenda, as parks staff are set to begin clearing, salting and sanding Priority One routes in that department.
Cities are also thanking local residents that chipped in on the snow-clearing process by shovelling their driveways, sidewalks and roads.
Those living on Whitesail Place near Coquitlam's Riverview Park were a prime example on Tuesday (Dec. 19) of such courtesy for vulnerable neighbours.
"Whenever it snows everyone on our court comes out and we work as a group to clear driving lanes," Phil Campeau told the Tri-City News.
"The kids in the neighborhood dug snow caves in the large pile of snow in the middle while the adults worked."
Coquitlam continues to call for "snow angels" to help clear sidewalks and driveways today, especially for older and vulnerable members of the community.
This especially rings true for the Laurentian Belaire, Maillardville and Westwood Plateau neighbourhoods as they sit at higher elevations.
Slippery sidewalks are hazardous for everyone — particularly for seniors, those with mobility challenges and parents with strollers, the city said.
Transit update
Tri-Cities transit is still running, but users are being warned the commute may still be slower than normal.
In an update, TransLink said any "unnecessary travel should be avoided."
The regional authority explained SkyTrain will be heavily impacted as colder temperatures could lead to freezing rails and doors, and commuters should anticipate delays and reduced services.
For more information, you're encouraged to visit the alerts page of TransLink's website.
Garbage pick-up
And it appears garbage collection is set to resume today in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam.
Port Moody, however, has cancelled its pick-up for Wednesday, noting to local residents that garbage, recycling and green waste is set to be collected next week on the regularly scheduled day.
In Coquitlam, green cart collection has been moved to the week after Christmas starting Dec. 27.
