Highway and City crews were out in force but could do little to match the pace of Mother Nature during Wednesday's snow storm. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

winter wonderland

UPDATE: RDN Transit resumes as Nanaimo & Oceanside students enjoy snow day

Jan 17, 2024 | 6:33 AM

NANAIMO — The first notable dump of snow for the season has come as forecast, leading to substantial disruptions on multiple fronts.

In the range of 10 to 15 centimeters of snow fell overnight on Tuesday, Jan. 16 into Wednesday, Jan. 17 across the mid-Island with more set to arrive throughout the day.

The snow forced both School District 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) and School District 69 (Qualicum) to close for Wednesday, along with Nanaimo Christian School.

Vancouver Island University also made the decision to shut its Nanaimo campus for at least the morning classes with an update for afternoon sessions expected by 10:30 a.m.

RDN transit buses paused service across much of the region Wednesday morning due to snow accumulation. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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After earlier suspending service, the Regional District of Nanaimo’s transit system resumed close to regular operations early Wednesday afternoon, with some minor detours as required.

“Delays and detours are expected as we do continue operating in winter conditions” a tweet from the RDN stated.

DriveBC posted winter driving condition warnings for several local highways, advising of snowy conditions and compact snow on the road surface itself.

While the City of Nanaimo’s snow plows are out on the roads, continued snowfall has led to challenging commutes in the vast majority of routes throughout the city.

Travellers are asked to limit their movements to essential travel only to allow time and space for crews to clear the accumulation.

Curbside garbage collection is cancelled for Wednesday, Jan. 17, the City noted.

The City of Nanaimo reported its facilities remained open including Beban Park, the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Bowen Park, however scheduled morning programming was cancelled.

Nanaimo Airport also reported the cancellation of a number of flights, including both select arrivals and departures to and from Calgary and Vancouver through Air Canada and WestJet.

Pacific Coastal flights were still scheduled to operate.

The University’s Parksville, Milner Gardens and other facilities were all closed for the day.

A number of mid-Island warming centres have extended their overnight emergency hours in light of the snowfall.

The warming centre at Risebridge (520 Prideaux St.) will be open overnight on overnight on Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. for those who identify as women.

The Oceanside warming centre at the Qualicum Christian Fellow Church (825, Village Way.) will also be open overnight Wednesday from 6:30 pm.m until 6:30 a.m.

The City is currently providing funds for three daytime warming centres in Nanaimo.

A winter wonderland is poised to be short lived as warmer conditions and extensive rainfall are forecast later in the week and over the weekend.

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