Snow and Ice Removal

The District of Sicamous Operations Team is responsible for snow removal and ice control for 89.9 lane kilometers of municipal roadways. They also plow and provide traction control for:

  • All sidewalks and trails
  • District owned buildings
  • District parking lots
  • Boat launches
  • Hydrant locations

Sicamous has an average of 73 snow days, 184 centimeters of snowfall and a temperature average of -3 degrees Celsius.

Highway Snow Clearing

AIM Roads is responsible for highway snow clearing. They have an Online Service Request Form and can be contacted via phone or email 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

  • Minimize piles by using the sides along the entire length of the driveway whenever possible. Piles at the base of the driveway can create sightline issues for motorists when backing out of a driveway.
  • Should you need to pile snow at the base of the driveway, use the left side of the driveway (when facing the house) so the plow doesn't collect it and drag a bigger windrow across the entire span of the driveway.
  • Keep your vehicle parked on your driveway and off of the street so that the plow can do its job.
  • Dress warm!

District Snow Removal

The District of Sicamous will endeavor to provide snow removal for reasonable safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

  • Plowing will normally occur within 24 hours after the cessation of the snow event. Sidewalks are cleared 48 hours after the cessation of the snow event.
  • Snow removal efforts are triggered when snow depth reaches 2-5cm and clearing is targeted to be completed within 24 hours, unless prolonged snow event.
  • In cases of prolonged snow events, resources may remain on higher priority roads at the expense of lower priority roads.
  • In an effort to maximize logistical efficiencies, some lower level priority roads may receive timelier servicing.
  • The Trans Canada Highway & Highway 97 are serviced by AIM Roads.

Windrows

A snow windrow is the pile of snow left at the bottom of a driveway after a snowplow has cleared the road. Driveways blocked with windrows in excess of 0.35m (14") will be cleared as resources allow.

Road Snow Removal Priority Map
Road Snow Removal Priority Map

District Sidewalk Clearing

  • Snow will be plowed from municipal sidewalks and trails when the accumulated snowfall
    exceeds 2 to 5 cm in depth, or the conditions are such that a lesser depth of snow is causing dangerous conditions.
  • District sidewalks will be plowed within 48 hours after the cessation of the snow event.
  • Anti-icing and traction-enhancing materials will be applied to sidewalks in the proportions considered appropriate for the specific sidewalk, the weather conditions prevailing at the time and the weather conditions forecasted to occur.

Sidewalk Snow Removal Priority Map
Sidewalk Snow Removal Priority Map

Snow Equipment Registry

Contractors are encouraged to sign up for the District's Snow Removal Equipment Registry and be called on in situations when the District is unable to meet service levels. 

Submissions must clearly state the name of the company or applicant, address, telephone number, experience, availability, hourly rate, and a list of equipment.  In addition, contractors must provide written evidence of Workers Compensation Board registration and Comprehensive Liability Insurance, to the satisfaction of the District. All contractors will be required to hold a valid District of Sicamous Business License.

Please complete the Equipment for Hire Registration Form and email your application to reception@sicamous.ca. Alternatively, applications may be delivered in person to Municipal Hall during regular office hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding Statutory Holidays).

APPLY TO THE REGISTRY!