Shovelling & snow angels: Here’s everything to know about snow removal in Vancouver

With incoming snowfall comes winter fun as well as added responsibilities, especially if you’re a homeowner. While the City of Vancouver has over 100 vehicles for snow and ice treatment across the city, property owners and occupants are responsible for shovelling the sidewalks adjacent to their homes. In this way, we help keep our sidewalks and streets safe for all pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

So with that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about snow removal in Vancouver.

The City of Vancouver’s priority locations for snow and ice treatment include the following:

• Major roads
• Bus routes
• Emergency access routes (including five major hospitals and two healthcare facilities)
• Bridges and viaducts (roads, sidewalks, and staircases)
• School routes
• Four key pedestrian pathways
• False Creek Seawall (from Burrard Bridge south side to north side)*
• Coal Harbour Seawall (from Burrard St to Alberni St)
• Arbutus Greenway
• Central Valley Greenway*
• 16 most-used bike routes
• Arterial bus stops and corner ramps

Residential side streets, laneways, and sidewalks adjacent to non-city-owned property are not included in the City’s snow response.

“Vancouver property owners and occupants are responsible for removing all snow and ice from the full width of sidewalks in front of and, if on a corner lot, alongside their property each day by 10 am,” reads the City of Vancouver website.

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Residents are expected to shovel their sidewalks any day there is snow or freezing temperatures.

According to the City of Vancouver (Traffic By-law 2849, section 76), failure to remove snow and ice within 24 hours may result in a fee of up to $750 per offence. 

For those who are away from home or unable to shovel snow themselves, you may be able to request a Snow Angel – a snow removal volunteer representing the City.

Note that residents are not required to clear snow from their own private properties, whether residential or commercial.

So there you have it, Vancouver. Stay warm out there!