Snow clearing efforts continue on main and priority routes throughout Nanaimo and the central Island region. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

winter wonderland

If you don’t have to go, stay home: thick blanket of snow covers Nanaimo & Oceanside

Dec 20, 2022 | 8:30 AM

UPDATE — The City of Nanaimo continues to make headway in clearing roads and its facilities.

Registered recreation programs remain cancelled for Tuesday, Dec. 20, however many arenas, centres and pools are open for drop-in use. More information is available on the City’s website.

EARLIER — NANAIMO — A steady stream of snowflakes over the last couple of days has intensified overnight.

Between six and 12 inches fell in areas of Nanaimo, with more reported at higher elevations from a persistent storm system making its way through the central Island.

In Nanaimo, main connector roads which the City deems “priority one” were plowed consistently overnight and were relatively clear Tuesday morning.

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“The snow is coming off the roads nicely and we expect to move into priority 2 route mid-morning,” David Thompson, manager of roads and traffic said via email. “We have already moved off the priority one routes in some areas.”

Priority two streets, or main residential areas, were the next focus for removal teams barring any more significant snowfall.

Sixteen trucks along with other equipment worked overnight to clear the accumulations.

Thompson is requesting residents move their cars off the street if possible to allow crews a clearer line in residential areas.

The City also requires property owners, both residential and commercial, to clear sidewalks adjacent to their property.

Despite the progress made plowing, people are being asked to stay at home unless absolutely necessary.

Bill Sims, City of Nanaimo general manager of engineering and public works told NanaimoNewsNOW broken down or otherwise stuck cars create extra hazards for snow removal.

The risk of crashes also slows down the street cleaning process.

He added curbside garbage collection for Tuesday’s scheduled area was cancelled and public works would reassess on Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Recreation programs run by the City were also cancelled until at least noon.

Travellers are also reminded to completely clear their vehicles of snow before heading out.

Nanaimo RCMP are watching for snow-topped vehicles or those driving with partial obstructions on their windshields

Due to the excess of snow overnight, transit services in the entire Regional District of Nanaimo are running slow.

Riders should expect delays in service through at least Tuesday morning.

Tessa Humphries, communications manager with BC Transit said those taking transit should ensure they’re visible to drivers.

“If your stop is on a hill, do your best to make your way to a stop on more level ground as our bus drivers may not be able to stop on a hill,” she wrote in a service notice.

Some minor adjustments were being made on select routes in order to continue service.

Vancouver Island University has closed its campuses Tuesday for students taking exams, while School District students in the region are on their holiday break.

A winter storm warning remains in effect for the region, with Environment Canada calling for another five to 10 centimetres of snow through to Wednesday morning.

Most of the accumulations however are expected further south on Vancouver Island.

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