Heavy snow closes schools and stops transit in Nanaimo

Gary Grovum clears the snow from his neighbour’s driveway in Nanaimo on Jan. 17, 2023. Photo: Mick Sweetman / CHLY 101.7FM

Updated at 12 p.m. Jan. 17, 2023.

Nanaimo is digging itself out after a winter storm dumped 20 to 30cm of snow on the city overnight.

The city’s public works department is prioritizing clearing and salting major roads before moving on to second and third priority streets and cul-de-sacs.

The City of Nanaimo has cancelled garbage and recycling collection today. Residents whose collection was today can put out extra garbage or recycling on their next scheduled collection day.

City parks, recreation and culture facilities are open but morning programs were cancelled.

RDN Transit is scaling back its bus routes in the city with buses travelling North-South along Highway 19A and a second route from Downtown to Southgage, to VIU, back to downtown. Route 1 is modified travelling up Bowen Rd. from Downtown to Country Club and then to Woodgrove Mall.

It’s a snow day for students in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith, Qualicum, and Comox Valley School Districts as all classes are cancelled today.

All of Vancouver Island Univeristy’s campuses and facilities are also closed for the day.

The city says warm weather over the weekend could cause flooding as the snow melts and residents should clear catch basins and storm drains in front of their homes and businesses.

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