Significant snowfall expected for East Vancouver Island

Residents are being advised to prepare for a significant snowfall as it could take up to four days for the City of Nanaimo to clear residential cul-de-sacs, such as this one pictured in January 2022. Photo: Mick Sweetman / CHLY 101.7FM

Environment Canada has issued a special weather report for East Vancouver Island, stating that it expects “significant snowfall” to start on Thursday afternoon over the Malahat Highway and Duncan area. The band of snow is then expected to move north and stall over the Nanaimo area tonight and could continue over the Fanny Bay area on Friday.

There is still uncertainty regarding expected snowfall amounts and exact locations that will be affected.

The snow could impact commuters tonight and on Friday morning. Motorists are advised to stay off the roads if possible or drive carefully in vehicles with snow tires.

David Thompson, Roads & Traffic Manager at the City of Nanaimo, says people should prepare for the snow.

“Whether that's being prepared to stay home, or whether that's being prepared to be out traveling safely, either driving, walking, cycling, taking the bus, however you get around the city, preparation is key,” he said.

The City of Nanaimo runs its snow removal on a priority system starting with keeping emergency routes, such as roads around the hospital, and all major routes clear. The city then moves on to clearing secondary roads that connect neigbourhoods with major roads and residential cul-de-sacs and dead end streets are last to be plowed.

“There are roughly 800 cul-de-sacs in Nanaimo,” Thompson said. “So it does take us quite a bit of time to get through them all. In the case of a major event you could be looking at up to four days before we get a full service to you.”

Funding Note: This story was produced with funding support from the Local Journalism Initiative, administered by the Community Radio Fund of Canada.