Winter is settling in on B.C.’s south coast as yet Environment Canada issued another snowfall warning. Throughout the region, dumps of between 15 and 25 cm, starting this afternoon and lasting into tomorrow, have people and services fastening the hatches and checking emergency supplies.
BC Ferries has cancelled evening sailings across its south coast routes, including the 10 p.m. from Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove (and the 10:30 p.m. from Snug Cove), citing “expected deteriorating conditions” and snowfall.
Bowen Island Municipality’s public works team will have another busy night of snow clearing.
The BIM website suggests that, to prepare for snowy weather, islanders:
- stock up on salt and sand
- install quality snow tires on your vehicle before the first snow; if you do not have snow tires, do not attempt driving in snowy or icy conditions on Bowen's steep hills
- keep a snow shovel, ice scraper and snow brush handy
- take public transit if possible
- stock up on water and non-perishable food
- if you cannot clear snow yourself, pre-arrange snow removal for driveways, decks and roofs from a contractor
The website also notes that islanders need to be careful where they park so as to not impede plow access.
“Make room for plows. Vehicles parked on narrow roadsides make it difficult or impossible for plows to get through. There are many dead-end roads on Bowen. If a plow is unable to turn around at the end of a road, it can't clear the road,” it reads.
