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Modern cities are dependent on the free movement of fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, public transit vehicles, transport vehicles and private passenger vehicles. Unless the snow is removed promptly from pavements, large losses result from interrupted business activity and many workers are deprived of income if they cannot reach the place where they work. Urban drivers demand pavements that are clear of snow and ice, and they are willing to pay for this service.
Saanich enjoys a mild and moist climate with winters that are not too cold and summers that are not too hot. Using data up to 1996, the lowest temperature is -15.6 C and the highest is 36.1 C. Average precipitation is 619mm at Gonzales and 858mm at the Victoria International Airport. The average snowfall is 49.9cm per year. The largest amount of snowfall recorded for each month in any year is:
October 1991 -- 4.6 cm
November, 1986 -- 45.8 cm
December, 1996 -- 123.9 cm
January, 1950 -- 81.5 cm
February, 1949 -- 44.6 cm
March, 1951 -- 31.2 cm
April, 1955 -- 7.1 cm
Saanich Snow and Ice Response Plan
Snow: The Major streets, transit routes, and Collector streets that are designated as Snow Emergency Routes are treated and opened to traffic within twenty-four hours of a snowfall. Saanich will endeavour to maintain a bare asphalt condition on such streets, provided, there is no reduction in the level of service to our overall program. Steep hills on residential roads are also considered a high priority and every attempt is made to treat them within twenty-four hours of a snowfall. Roads which are not on the priority list are dealt with only after the high priority streets are taken care of, however, our objective is to have them treated and opened within seventy-two hours of a snowfall.
Bridges: Bridge decks are very susceptible to icing conditions and are given a high priority during heavy frost and black ice situations.
Laneways: Lanes are not cleared by the Municipality except in special circumstances when it is required for refuse collection or for an emergency.
Sidewalks and Bus Shelters: Sidewalks are not cleared by the Municipality except on bridges and on pedestrian overpasses (underpasses, if applicable).
Property owners are required by Municipal By-laws (No. 8382) to clearn snow from sidewalks adjacent to their property.
Bus Shelters are cleared by the Municipality on a priority basis in consultation with BC Transit.
Ice and Snow on Steep Street: In the event of a snowfall or when icy conditions prevail, steep streets may be temporarily barricaded to prevent their use. At the first opportunity the Municipality shall arrange to have the street ploughed and/or salted. If street conditions remain unsafe despite these efforts or if adverse weather conditions continue, the temporary barricades may remain until such time as the street is deemed safe for use.
How Weather Plays a Role
Weather Reports play an important part in snow and ice control operations. No two storms are exactly alike in their effect on traffic or on the methods used to combat them. The character of the snow, the rate of accumulation, the expected duration of the storm, the total depth of snow, the air temperatures during the storm, the temperature of the pavement at the start of the storm and the time the storm strikes (near rush hour, at night or on a weekend) are all factors that have a marked effect on traffic and on the decision as to how best to combat the particular storm.
To assist in combating icy road surfaces, it is important to get advance warning about expected freezing rain or frost occurring when the pavements are wet and whether these conditions will occur during peak traffic periods.
Organization
In the District of Saanich, the Public Works Division under the supervision of the Director of Engineering (or designate) is responsible for winter maintenance. The Road Manager coordinates the efforts of all Public Works Sections and reports to the Manager of Public Works. The Director of Engineering is responsible to the Municipal Administrator and Council for the organization and control of snow removal and ice control operations.
The Saanich Police Department is our first line response resource for all after hour road conditions. Their night patrol crews will monitor road conditions and alert the call out personnel when conditions have deteriorated to the point of requiring action.
The Ministry of Highways, through their contractors, are responsible for snow and ice control on all major highways within the Municipality of Saanich.
The Parks Section of Parks & Recreation carries out snow clearing operations at the Municipal Hall, the Police Station, all Fire Halls, Recreation Centres and designated pathways.
Streets and Traffic Regulation Bylaw, 2002, No. 8382 covers the community’s responsibility in clearing sidewalks adjacent to private property.
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