The City of Nelson experienced an unprecedented snowfall in the early hours of January 4, 2022. Depending on where you are in the community, there are reports of snow accumulation between 65 – 80cms overnight.

Environment Canada's historical weather indicates the most snow on the ground on January 5 in the years spanning 2013 to 2020 was 28cm (in 2015).  The daily data report for January 5, 2022, indicates that 67cm of snow is on the ground. That is a significant difference. 

Our crews have been working diligently to clear & remove snow and sand streets. 

As in past major snowfall events, the City brings in contractors to assist our own forces to efficiently and effectively remove an overabundance of snow. This epic snowfall will require more outside resources than we have experienced in recent history.

Please do not shovel or clear snow onto the roadway.  If you need to get rid of an accumulation of snow, direct your contractor to haul the snow to the snow dump area at Fell Street and 11th Street.

It is the responsibility of the homeowner or business to clear their sidewalk by 11:00am after a snowfall or face a $50 daily fine. If you have mobility issues or are a senior, we encourage you to sign up for the Angel Program. Volunteer shovellers are needed as well. 

We need your assistance in getting vehicles off the street to widen the roadway.  Please observe the odd/even parking rule. 

  Vehicles impeding snow operations will be towed.  Traffic Bylaw. 

Staff will be implementing temporary road closures to facilitate snow removal.
➡ Nelson Fire Rescue would greatly appreciate any assistance in clearing the snow away from the fire hydrant on your block. Our crews are working to clear, but with 300 hydrants in the city, your assistance is welcomed.  

Please visit our Winter Snow & Ice Management page to learn more.

Staff will focus on widening the bus and emergency routes (including a constricted area on Vancouver Street).

Staff will open up a snow dump area at Fell Street and 11th Street for contractors for the hauling/dumping of snow. 

Staff will deliver barricades to the downtown to get ready for early morning snow removal on January 6, 2022.

Contracted forces are being hired to remove snow away from bus stops, hydrants and to assist with the downtown to get ready for early morning snow removal on January 6, 2022.  This activity will proceed over the next few days until complete.

Staff will close some streets in the downtown core to remove snow.

Depending on progress made and the amount of snow accumulation received on January 6, 2022, crews may continue this activity on January 7.

Staff will clean out problem catch basins as there are forecasted warmer temperatures and the possibility of rain.

Friday, January 7, 2022:

Once staff have cleared the downtown area of snow, they will proceed to remove snow from areas on the priority routes that are constricted.

Work will continue with the snow plowing/removal process.  The work conducted will be dependent on the progress made on Jan 6th and 7th; however, the work will follow the priorities outlined in the Snow & Ice Control Policy. 

Snowplowing activity will continue to proceed through the week following the priorities outlined in the Snow & Ice Control Policy.  Staff will also be plowing rear lanes to prepare for the garbage and recycling collection that will occur the week of January 17-21st.  

The removal of bulk accumulations of snow from priority routes is scheduled to start on January 7, 2022.  This activity is anticipated to occur over several days.  Removal of problematic bulk accumulations is anticipated to aid in restoring sightlines.  During the week of January 10, staff will also be addressing rear lanes to prepare for the garbage and recycling collection in the week of January 17.  It is anticipated that this activity will also aid in restoring sightlines.

Front-mounted plows effectively push bulk accumulations of snow but are not effective in tight areas.  The City uses plow blades mounted on front-end loaders to move snow similarly, but the front-end loaders have greater maneuverability.  The City uses a variety of approaches (including plow blades, loader buckets and blowers to move snow) as we have a varied topography and numerous tight areas that make it difficult to plow the snow.