Numerous civic facilities are closed and garbage collection has been suspended in New Westminster because of heavy snowfall.
The heavy snow that turned the Lower Mainland and parts of Vancouver Island into a winter wonderland also prompted an advisory from numerous agencies: If you don’t have to drive today, don’t.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure reports that at least 25 centimetres of snow have fallen in the Greater Vancouver area and 30 centimetres on parts of the Vancouver Island.
“Drivers on the Lower Mainland and southern and central Vancouver Island are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel today due to the heavy snowfall overnight,” said a press release from the province.
Those sentiments were shared by Mayor Patrick Johnstone, who urged community members to work together and be responsible for themselves and others.
“Crews worked through the night, and are back out there today...and if you don’t have to go out, please try to avoid it,” he said. “Emergency crews are already overtaxed right now. Keep warm, keep yourself safe, let snow removal crews get their work done.”
Johnstone noted that SkyTrain service is slightly reduced and may be a bit crowded, as more drivers make the safer choice.
“Good news is the snow is light and fluffy – this morning is the best time to shovel your walk and sidewalk and see if your neighbours need help with theirs,” he tweeted.
Services impacted
The City of New Westminster has announced that all solid waste collection is cancelled today because of the weather. Collection will resume when conditions improve.
The city has also announced that many civic facilities will be closed today. These include Anvil Centre, Century House, Centennial and Queensborough community centres, the New West youth centre and the Sportsplex.
Moody Park and Queen’s Park arenas are open but no programs or services are taking place today.
As of 9:30 a.m., New Westminster City Hall was still open for business.
The New Westminster Public Library issued a special alert to let folks know that its Queensborough branch would be closed today (Dec. 20) because of the weather. The main branch is expected to open from noon to 8 p.m.
According to the City of New Westminster, fire, police, electric utility and engineering operations are open and functioning with essential staffing.
“All available city crews and equipment are working to clear roads of snow,” stated a notice from the city. “We ask that you please stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, not only for your safety but also to assist our road-clearing efforts.”
Deputy Chief Const. Paul Hyland of the New Westminster Police Department took to Twitter to assure residents the police department is on duty today.
“Not the smoothest drive in but I made it. The pandemic taught us how to quickly pivot staff for remote work which works well on days like today. That said NewWestPD frontline members are here for you if you need us. If you can avoid driving today, please do. #NewWest.”
What about transit?
Due to heavy snowfall, TransLink is advising customers to expect considerable delays today, particularly on the bus network.
It’s also advising people to avoid travelling where possible. TransLink stated that minimal bus services are available in some areas, particularly parts of Burnaby, Vancouver and the North Shore.
As of 8:36 a.m. Tuesday, numerous buses were not operating, including some in New West, because of the road conditions. These include the 100, 101, 106, 110, 112, 116, 134, 136 and 144 buses.
For folks taking transit, TransLink wants you to know that:
* SkyTrain is delivering service to all stations on all three lines. Trains are being staffed manually by attendants to stop snowfall from triggering emergency braking and train doors are being cleared of ice and snow as they enter key stations – that means there may be larger gaps in service than normal.
* Buses throughout Metro Vancouver are likely to see delays due to traffic and road conditions. TransLink is advising municipalities which roads to prioritize for clearing. (It suggests customers sign up for transit alerts, check @TransLink on Twitter or call its customer information line at 604-953-3333 before heading out to get up-to-date information about specific routes.)
* HandyDART is prioritizing customers with medical appointments.
* SeaBus/West Coast Express is providing regular service.
Environment Canada is calling for chance of flurries late this afternoon and early evening, with five to 10 centimetres of snow expected tonight. Snow is expected to end on Tuesday afternoon – but the current forecast calls for more snow on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
As of 8:25 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20, Environment Canada was reporting that a snowfall warning was still in effect for Metro Vancouver, including New Westminster, with snowfall accumulations of 10 to 15 cm forecast. It reports that snow is expected to taper off this afternoon.
“Another snowy day for the B.C. south coast,” said Environment Canada’s website.
Follow Theresa McManus on Twitter @TheresaMcManus
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