The Northern Rockies are expected to be pummeled by snow over the next week, and the municipality is reminding community members of their responsibilities after snowsqualls.
Periods of snow are expected in Fort Nelson over the coming days, with Environment Canada’s seven-day forecast predicting some form of wintery weather every day for the coming week. Ahead of this first cold period, the Northern Rockies regional municipality is prepping community members.
“Winter is here, and keeping our roads and sidewalks safe and accessible goes beyond just clearing snow. For emergency vehicles to get through and snow-clearing crews to work efficiently, it’s essential that our streets stay clear of obstacles,” the Bear Pit wrote in their reminder to residents.
People should avoid parking on streets or shoulders, and should not place “snow, debris, or objects on streets, sidewalks, or public areas,” they explained. Hockey nets, trailers, and other equipment must also be on private property and off of any snow clearing routes.
Most residents with a driveway are responsible for clearing their own driveways, including the pile left at the bottom after the plow passes by. Further, snow must be shoveled within the boundaries of the property and cannot be tossed onto the roadway or sidewalk. If staff from the Bear Pit is forced to intervene and hire a snow removal service, its Traffic Control Bylaw says they will not foot the bill.
“The municipality may provide for the clearing of the sidewalk or the road, and the cost incurred by the municipality in doing so shall be charged against the owner or occupant,” the bylaw reads.
People over 65 or with physical limitations can apply for the NRRM’s senior snow removal program. This initiative provides people who need assistance with a member of staff to clear snow – though they must wait until the community’s urban area is cleared.
“As crews work to clear the town’s 52 kilometres of urban roadways, they focus on priority one areas – schools, hospitals, and core business routes – before moving to residential and industrial areas, including 22.3 kilometres of sidewalks,” explained the municipality.
Northern Rockies crews are out from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays after snowfall.
