Residents dig out from first major winter storm of 2015
By Nelson Daily Staff
The worst appears to be over as Mother Nature pounded the West Kootenay and Province of BC with the first major winter storm of 2015.
While the region was spared the freezing rain that raise havoc on the Lower Mainland, some parts of the Nelson saw more than 36 centimeters (14 plus inches) fall Monday morning. Tack on a few more centimeters later in the day and into Tuesday, and residents are still digging from the onslaught.
The only people beaming with joy are the skiers at Whitewater Ski Resort after the local hill saw an accumulation of 42 centimeters (16.5 inches) during the past 48 hours, bringing the base to 152 centimeters (59.8 inches).
Of course, the mass amount of snow has made city streets in Nelson a lot narrower than before.
So the media department is sending out a message to residents to help speed up snow removal.
Some practices and City of Nelson bylaws include:
- When it comes to street parking, on odd-numbered days, please park on the odd-numbered side of the street, and on even-numbered days, please park on the even side of streets. If you have off-street parking, use it if you can. Thanks!
- Make sure your parked vehicle is clear of snow — it will be far more visible to your City plow operator. And remember, vehicles aren’t to be parked on City streets, in the same location, for more than 72 consecutive hours.
- It’s very helpful for City snow crews and safer for motorists if residents and business owners don’t shovel snow from a sidewalk, or driveway, back onto a plowed street.
- Did you know? It’s the responsibility of business owners and owners/occupiers of residential premises to remove snow on the sidewalk or stairs adjacent to their properties before 11 a.m. each day.
- A helpful tip: During severe winter conditions, try to follow Nelson Transit bus routes, as these streets get first priority for plowing and sanding.
- And another: When walking on snow-covered surfaces, pedestrians are advised to take extra precautions, wear appropriate footwear and choose a sidewalk that has been cleared of snow.
- And lastly…fun as it seems, please don’t allow children to make snow forts in snow banks or toboggan on City streets — there are plenty of City parks and greenspaces for fun.
The latest weather forecast has the region catching its breath for a few days until when more snow is on the horizon.
For more info about snow removal and City bylaws, please visit our website at www.nelson.ca.
