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Nanaimo snow plowing, sidewalk deadlines and road ownership
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Nanaimo clears emergency and major routes before secondary roads and residential dead ends. Sidewalks beside homes and businesses must be cleared within 24 hours of a snow event.
Key information
Nanaimo clears emergency and major routes before secondary roads and residential dead ends. Sidewalks beside homes and businesses must be cleared within 24 hours of a snow event.
On this page
Three priorities and realistic timing
Priority 1 covers emergency routes and major roads. Priority 2 covers secondary roads. Priority 3 covers residential cul-de-sacs and dead ends. During continuing snow, crews return to keep the major routes open.
The City warns that residential work may not begin for 96 hours or more, especially Priority 3. This is not a promise of a four-day maximum. Emergency access and key transit routes have priority over an individual residential preference.
Sources: Official Nanaimo snow plowing, sidewalk deadlines and road ownership information
City roads versus provincial highways
Stewart Avenue, Brechin Road, Highway 1, Nanaimo Parkway and the old Island Highway are maintained by the provincial contractor Mainroad. Report those concerns at 1-877-215-6006 or midisland@mainroad.ca.
For non-emergency City snow issues, call Public Works at 250-758-5222. City work includes access around its facilities, bridges, Waterfront Walkway and E&N Trail. Selected bike lanes are cleared after maintained sidewalks and when equipment is nearby.
Sources: Official Nanaimo snow plowing, sidewalk deadlines and road ownership information
Sidewalks, drains and vehicles
Residents, occupants, tenants and businesses must clear adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours. Arrange help while away. If safe, clear nearby catch basins so meltwater does not flood or refreeze.
The City can tow abandoned vehicles to keep emergency and traffic routes open. Call RCMP at 250-754-2345 to ask whether a vehicle was towed. Give plows space and allow longer travel time instead of expecting every surface to be bare.
Sources: Official Nanaimo snow plowing, sidewalk deadlines and road ownership information
Quick reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Priority 1 | Emergency and major roads |
| Priority 2 | Secondary roads |
| Priority 3 | Residential cul-de-sacs and dead ends |
| Residential delay warning | 96 hours or more may pass before work begins |
| Sidewalk deadline | 24 hours |
| City / provincial contractor | 250-758-5222 / 1-877-215-6006 |
Sources: Official Nanaimo snow plowing, sidewalk deadlines and road ownership information
Steps to follow
- Identify
Check whether the road is City or provincial responsibility.
- Plan
Allow for priority-route work and continuing snowfall delays.
- Clear
Maintain the adjacent sidewalk and leave room for plows.
Sources: Official Nanaimo snow plowing, sidewalk deadlines and road ownership information
Questions and answers
Which roads are cleared first?
Priority 1 emergency and major roads.
Source: Official Nanaimo snow plowing, sidewalk deadlines and road ownership information
What is Priority 2?
Secondary roads.
Source: Official Nanaimo snow plowing, sidewalk deadlines and road ownership information
What is Priority 3?
Residential cul-de-sacs and dead ends.
Source: Official Nanaimo snow plowing, sidewalk deadlines and road ownership information
Is 96 hours a guaranteed maximum?
No. The City says residential work can take 96 hours or more to begin.
Source: Official Nanaimo snow plowing, sidewalk deadlines and road ownership information
What happens if snow starts again during residential work?
Crews return to the vital Priority 1 routes.
Source: Official Nanaimo snow plowing, sidewalk deadlines and road ownership information
Who handles Nanaimo Parkway snow concerns?
Provincial contractor Mainroad at 1-877-215-6006.
Source: Official Nanaimo snow plowing, sidewalk deadlines and road ownership information
What is the sidewalk deadline?
Within 24 hours of a snow event.
Source: Official Nanaimo snow plowing, sidewalk deadlines and road ownership information
Must tenants help meet the sidewalk rule?
The City lists residents, occupants, tenants and businesses as responsible.
Source: Official Nanaimo snow plowing, sidewalk deadlines and road ownership information
Can abandoned vehicles be towed during snow?
Yes, to keep routes open.
Source: Official Nanaimo snow plowing, sidewalk deadlines and road ownership information
Who can confirm whether a vehicle was towed?
Call RCMP at 250-754-2345.
Source: Official Nanaimo snow plowing, sidewalk deadlines and road ownership information