The Public Works Department is responsible for snow removal and ice control on streets and roads in accordance with the Snow and Ice Control Policy #4.11.
Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from all sidewalks bordering their property by 10 am after the snowfall ends, or before the snow accumulation exceeds 10cm.
By working together, Town staff and property owners can help ensure the safe passage of vehicles and pedestrians within our community.
Priority Snow Removal Routes
Gibsons’ Snow and Ice Control Policy also identifies Priority A, B and C snow removal routes (see map below for details.)
Priority A Roads include bus routes, steep through-roads, and roads leading to health-care facilities.
Priority B Roads include remaining arterial and collector roads, with the exception of any dead-end segments.
Priority C Roads include all roads not identified as Priority A or B Roads.
**Please note that Highway 101 is the responsibility of BC’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI). For comments and questions on snow clearing on Hwy 101 (and other roads within the SCRD) please call Capilano Highways Service at 604-740-0667 or 1-800-665-3135.
Sidewalks
The Town is responsible for snow removal from sidewalks bordering municipally owned and operated property. These “Priority A & B” sidewalks will be cleared within 72 hours after it stops snowing, except in the event of an exceptional snowfall.
Additionally, North Road between Kiwanis Way and Gibsons Way; Shaw Road between O’Shea and Gibsons Way; O’Shea Road from Spyglass Place to Shaw Road; Gibsons Way from North Road to Pratt Road; and the multi-use path along Gibsons Way, have been designated “Priority C” sidewalks. These sidewalks will be cleared within 96 hours of the termination of snowfall, except in the event of an exceptional snowfall.
Local residents and businesses also have a role to play in snowy weather. The Town’s Highway Traffic Bylaw requires owners or occupants of residential, industrial and commercial buildings to clear sidewalks next to their property of snow and ice as soon as possible after a snowfall, to ensure they are safe for pedestrians.
Other Snow-Smart Tips
- Keep children safe, don’t let them play in snow piles or roadside snow banks
- Parked vehicles hamper snowplows – if possible, don’t park on the street after it snows
- When shoveling snow, pile it on your property, not on the sidewalk or street
- Clear snow and ice away from storm sewer catch basins to allow the melted snow to reach the storm sewer – when catch basins are blocked, street flooding can occur, turning the street into an ice rink when the temperature drops.
Click here to view the PDF of Schedule A.
