Snow & Winter

Main and emergency routes first, collectors next, residential streets after. Get vehicles, boats, and trailers off the street by November 15 so the plow can do its job.

How snow clearing works

City crews clear snow from public streets in order of priority. Major roads and emergency routes are cleared first, then collector roads, then residential streets. In a big storm, your residential street may not be plowed for several hours after the snow stops. That is normal.

Heads up

Get vehicles off the street by November 15

All unused vehicles, boats, trailers, basketball nets, and other obstacles need to be removed from City streets by November 15 each winter season so the snowplow can plow. Vehicles parked on the street during a snow event slow clearing for everyone on your block.

Priority routes

The City publishes the full Snow Removal Priority Routes document on silvermere.example. It shows which streets get cleared first and how the system progresses through the city. If your street is a designated emergency route, expect plowing earlier in the storm cycle.

Your driveway and sidewalk

The plow throws cleared snow to the side of the road, which sometimes leaves a windrow at the end of your driveway. The City does not remove that windrow, that part is on you. Same with the sidewalk in front of your property: keeping your section clear is the property owner's responsibility, not the City's.

Tip

Shovel after the plow, not before

If you shovel your driveway entrance before the plow comes by, you will likely have to do it again. Wait until you hear or see the plow finish your block, then clear the windrow.

Reporting a snow concern

If a street has been missed, ice is dangerous, or you have another snow-related concern, call Civic Works at 250-555-0140 or submit it through the Request Hub. The crews appreciate specific details (the block address, what you are seeing, when you first noticed).

Common questions

When does my street get plowed?

It depends. Major and emergency routes are first. Residential streets follow once the priority routes are clear. After a major storm, expect several hours of lag.

What's the November 15 vehicle removal rule?

All unused vehicles, boats, trailers, and basketball nets need to be off City streets by November 15 each year. This lets the snowplow get through without weaving around obstacles.

Will the City clear the windrow at my driveway?

No. The plow leaves snow at the road edge as it passes. Clearing the windrow at your driveway entrance is the homeowner's job. Wait for the plow to finish your street before you shovel.

Who clears the sidewalk in front of my house?

You do. Sidewalks adjacent to your property are the owner's responsibility under City bylaws. Clear them so neighbours and kids walking to school can get through.

Where do I see priority routes?

The Snow Removal Priority Routes map is published on silvermere.example and available on request. Email civicworks@silvermere.example for a current copy.

I think my street was missed. What should I do?

Call Civic Works at 250-555-0140 with the specific block address and what you're seeing. Be patient during big storms, the crews are working through the priority list.

What to do next

Report a snow concern

Missed streets, dangerous ice, windrow blocking access.

Roads and sidewalks

What the City maintains versus what's on you.

Active alerts

Severe weather and travel advisories.

Highway info (DriveBC)

Provincial highways are run by BC, not the City.

Still need help?

Talk to Civic Works

Phone: 250-555-0140
Email: civicworks@silvermere.example
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
In person: City Hall, 100 Lakeshore Avenue, Silvermere, BC

Submit a request online

Faster than calling for non-urgent issues. We respond within one business day.

How snow clearing works

Heads up

Get vehicles off the street by November 15

Your driveway and sidewalk

Tip

Shovel after the plow, not before

If you shovel your driveway entrance before the plow comes by, you will likely have to do it again. Wait until you hear or see the plow finish your block, then clear the windrow.

Common questions

When does my street get plowed?

It depends. Major and emergency routes are first. Residential streets follow once the priority routes are clear. After a major storm, expect several hours of lag.

What's the November 15 vehicle removal rule?

All unused vehicles, boats, trailers, and basketball nets need to be off City streets by November 15 each year. This lets the snowplow get through without weaving around obstacles.

Will the City clear the windrow at my driveway?

No. The plow leaves snow at the road edge as it passes. Clearing the windrow at your driveway entrance is the homeowner's job. Wait for the plow to finish your street before you shovel.

Who clears the sidewalk in front of my house?

You do. Sidewalks adjacent to your property are the owner's responsibility under City bylaws. Clear them so neighbours and kids walking to school can get through.

Where do I see priority routes?

The Snow Removal Priority Routes map is published on silvermere.example and available on request. Email civicworks@silvermere.example for a current copy.

I think my street was missed. What should I do?

Call Civic Works at 250-555-0140 with the specific block address and what you're seeing. Be patient during big storms, the crews are working through the priority list.