Service update related to snowfall
Update: 23 December 2022
Winter Weather is in effect and the City’s comprehensive snow response plan is in motion.
The City of Richmond’s snow response plan consists of a centralized control centre of experienced staff who monitor weather reports and road surface conditions across Richmond, and dispatch crews, equipment and other resources before and during snowfall. The City’s Works Yard is home to approximately 39 specialized pieces of equipment and vehicles for snow response, and is stocked with 1,050 tonnes of salt onsite. An additional 2,200 tonnes of salt is also on reserve.
When a significant multi-day snowfall event happens, City Public Works staff switch to 24/7 coverage where crews work 12 hour shifts clearing snow and treating roads to keep frost or ice from forming.
Weather forecast
Environment Canada has issued several weather warnings. A High Streamflow Advisory is also in effect as per the BC River Forecast Centre.
The weather forecast from calls for more snow and freezing rain, followed immediately by warmer temperatures and heavy rainfall (Thurs, Dec. 22 to Sat, Dec. 24). These conditions of increased water volume can contribute to pooling or flooding.
Richmond residents are asked to support drain and snow clearing as weather patterns change: Clear snow, ice and debris from storm drains, gutters and catch basins on your property and the curb in front of your home. This will clear the way for water to reach Richmond's extensive pump and storm water system.
Facilities and services
Last update: Dec 23 at 9:40am
Note: For program-specific information, contact each facility directly and continue to check individual social media pages for updates throughout the day.
Additionally, staff will be phoning participants in programs that are impacted by the snowfall. If you cannot make it to your registered program due to weather conditions, contact your facility to cancel and a credit will be applied to your account.
| Facility / Service | Status |
|---|---|
| Archives | Open |
| Arts Centre | Open |
| Art Gallery |
Closed |
| Britannia Shipyards | Closed |
| Cambie Community Centre | Open |
| City Centre Community Centre | Open |
| Cultural Centre / Brighouse Library | Open |
| Garbage, Recycling and Green Bin Collection | No collection on Fri, Dec 23 |
| Hamilton Community Centre | Open |
| Minoru Arenas | Open |
| Minoru Centre for Active Living Pool and Fitness | Open |
| Minoru Centre for Active Living Seniors | Open |
| Richmond Nature Park | Open |
| Richmond Nature House | Closed |
| Richmond Ice Centre | Open |
| Richmond Museum | Open |
| South Arm Community Centre | Open |
| Steveston Community Centre | Open |
| Thompson Community Centre | Main building closed; Annex open for registered programs |
| Watermania | Open |
| West Richmond Community Centre | Open |
Update on garbage and recycling collection
Last update: Dec 22 at 8:15pm
Due to expected snow accumulations and freezing rain, traffic advisories have been issued for Thursday to Saturday. As road travel is not recommended, there will be no Garbage and Recycling collection on Friday, Dec. 23.
If your recycling was not able to be collected, please hold all materials until your next collection day for the week of Dec 27 to 30. Unlimited volumes of recycling will be collected at that time. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding given the recent severe weather events.
Traffic conditions
The Government of British Columbia has issued a Traffic Advisory asking drivers to stay off the roads during the storm.
If you must travel:
- Follow a trusted news source for weather and traffic condition updates and leave the house prepared.
- For still images of current traffic conditions in Richmond, check out the City's intersection cameras.
- For updates on Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure routes, visit Drive BC.
Priority snow response routes
When it snows, the City’s priority is to ensure all major arterial roads are pre-treated and cleared so emergency vehicles including police, ambulance and fire trucks, public transit and private vehicles can travel through Richmond’s priority routes.
First and second priority routes are pre-established and are the first to be cleared. Third priority routes consist of designated collector roads and roads of local significance. Third priority routes are salted and cleared only when first and second priority routes have been addressed. View the route map.
Stay safe in winter weather
The Resident Guide to Winter Weather includes safety and preparedness tips, and is available on the City’s website at: www.richmond.ca/winter.
A list of shelter resources for weather-vulnerable individuals is available through BC211.
Shovel your sidewalk – it’s the (by)law
Traffic Bylaw 5870 requires residential (single-family and multi-family) owners, commercial and industrial and occupants to clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their properties no later than 10 a.m. every day. A few other reminders:
- Shovel snow onto lawns or into designated parking stalls, not the street. Shovelling snow onto the street is a hazard for vehicles and creates more work for snow plows, which slows down the clearing process.
- Ensure accessible parking stalls on your property are clear of snow and ice
- Keep storm drains and grates around home and business properties clear of snow and debris. Blockages can cause pooling as temperatures warm
Heavy snowfall can create challenges for many residents. If you can, be a good neighbour and lend a hand to others in need of snow removal assistance.
More information
To learn how the City of Richmond responds to winter weather, and for other safety tips and resources, visit: www.richmond.ca/weather.
Updates during snow and ice events will be posted on:
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