A two-year pilot project to remove snow from priority sidewalks is being considered in the City of Parksville. (Dreamstime)

By Jordan Davidson

move that snow

Snow removal for priority walking routes in Parksville under consideration

Nov 19, 2024 | 4:21 PM

PARKSVILLE — Sidewalks lining priority routes could soon be clear of snow when the white stuff falls in Parksville.

During a Monday, Nov. 18 council meeting, councillors agreed to advance a two-year sidewalk snow removal pilot project for consideration as part of upcoming budget discussions.

Chief financial officer Keeva Kehler said they’ll use multiple resources including speaking with local groups and city staff to determine what qualifies as a priority route.

“This should give us the ability to identify during a snowstorm where we need to get some support to clear the sidewalks if it’s making it so people are walking on the road, and our staff would figure out the linkages to our snow clearing on the road and arterial and important streets that lead to City Hall and schools and things.”

A budget of $10,000 per year is being considered paid for by property taxes, while issues such as purchasing snow removal equipment or hiring a third-party contractor are to be formalized later on.

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Parksville’s transportation master plan will also be referenced for priority route recommendations as well, with the third phase of the plan recently completed.

Kehler said allowing the project to go over two years will give them a chance to test out their snow-clearing plan, and then, if successful, can be formally adopted.

“Combination of enforcement and working with business owners and all of those things tied in together and we’ll most likely be looking at bylaw changes and policy changes at that point,” Kehler told the meeting.

The recommendation to advance the pilot project for future consideration was unanimously approved by councillors after the item was referred from a committee meeting.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow