City of Vancouver preparing for first blast of winter

After a sunny, dry January, we are set to get our first real blast of winter this weekend.

The Lower Mainland could see between 10 and 20 centimetres of snow, and the City of Vancouver says it is getting ready.

It says it is busy salting sidewalks and streets and will prioritize plowing major traffic routes and streets close to hospitals.

Calum Baynham, the city’s associate director of street operations, says they have been preparing in anticipation of extreme weather.

“We have over 100 vehicles that we can deploy for winter maintenance,” Baynham said.

“We have been making sure our salt is at full capacity. Between our various yards, we can stock 3,500 tons of salt. We have 100 personnel we can deploy for our winter response. When the snow begins to fall, we will be out there. We will be working hard.”

According to Environment Canada, we could see some accumulation starting on Saturday. Temperatures are expected to drop to -5 C over the weekend, making it particularly dangerous for those who are unhoused.

Additional shelters and warming centres available

The city is opening additional shelters and warming centres over the weekend in anticipation of the frosty temperatures.

These shelters include the Directions Youth Service Centre and Aboriginal Front Door.

Nick Wells with Union Gospel Mission (UGM) says their beds have been full for the entire month of January, and he expects the shelter will be at capacity again this weekend.

In addition to providing a warm bed, UGM hands out warm clothes to those trying to stay dry.

“Even if it doesn’t snow, … we have had community members die of hyperthermia, so any clothing donations are always appreciated,” Wells said.

Celebrate Lunar New Year safely

For those planning on celebrating the Lunar New Year at Sunday’s Parade in Vancouver’s Chinatown, the city encourages participants to be prepared for the weather.

“Also make sure you have appropriate snow tires and warm clothes and emergency supplies,” Baynham said.

With files from David Nadalini.