Sidewalk Snow Clearing Pilot Project Approved for Downtown Parksville

December 18, 2024

At the December 16 meeting, Parksville Council approved a $10,000 budget in 2025 and in 2026 to support the City’s sidewalk snow clearing pilot project. Council endorsed the temporary amendment to the snow and ice policy to include a pilot project to increase the level of service and prioritize clearing of designated walkways in the downtown core and secondary clearing of sidewalks adjacent to City parks and facilities. Sidewalks within the downtown area have been categorized into first, second and third priorities as indicated on the map below.

This temporary project is not intended to remove responsibility but to support owners and occupiers who are required to clear sidewalks bordering their property (Traffic Bylaw 1436). The City’s Snow and Ice Policy 8.10 states, “every owner and occupier of property is responsible to remove all snow and ice from sidewalks bordering their property within twelve hours of the end of the snow fall event.” We encourage owners to clear their frontage within the outlined timelines.

This pilot project is proposed to improve and enhance accessibility for Parksville residents who need to navigate sidewalks in the downtown area. As well, improvements to sidewalk clearing will include many key pedestrian letdowns and strategic transit stops. During prolonged snowfall events, all sidewalk clearing is dependent on the City being able to secure staff capacity to cover shifts and access to equipment is available.

For Council consideration prior to the start of the 2026 winter season, staff will provide a review of the 2025 pilot project identifying areas of improvement, staff hours and budget.

Refer to Let’s Talk Parksville for information on the City’s snow and ice control program including the policy, frequently asked questions, and how residents and business owners can help.

For more information:
Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications
communications@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073