Skip to content

Penticton road crews ready for first ice and snow of the season

Snow is expected for Sunday and Monday along with freezing temperatures all week
30910230_web1_221109-PWN-SnowandIce_1
Heavy snowfall on Dec. 4, 2021 may have made Penticton streets a mess but it proved the perfect chance for the city of Penticton to test out their new bike lane snow plow. (Brennan Phillips Western News file photo)

With the arrival of colder temperatures, city road crews are prepared for the first icy and snowy weather of the season.

The city has put together a reminder for residents about the snow-clearing process and to provide tips about how to get ready around your property.

Overnight and morning temperatures are dipping to -9 C in Penticton with possible snow in the forecast. There is a good chance of snowfall on both Sunday and Monday.

What to expect

City crews have begun spraying an anti-ice, salt/water solution on high-priority streets and parking lots throughout the city to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the road surface, resulting in improved traction and effective removal.

A full complement of equipment and shovellers are ready to clear snow, with a focus on priority routes including main roads, steep hills, emergency routes, bus routes, school zones, collector and industrial roads.

The first big snowfall last year was Dec. 4 and wreaked havoc on local roads.

Heavy snowfall made Penticton streets a mess except for the new bike lanes where the city tried out its new bike lane snow plow.

As part of 2021’s budget, the city purchased a new municipal tractor to replace one of the city’s old lawnmowers to serve as a multi-purpose tool. The machine cost $155,845, with another $90,000 for nine specific attachments including the V-blade for snow clearing the bike lane.

While there weren’t too many people out on bikes taking advantage of the plowed bike route, there were a number of pedestrians choosing to use the cleared bike lanes as a way to walk up and down Martin Street.

READ MORE: Penticton tries out new bike lane snow plow

What you can do around your home

Stay home if you don’t have to travel. More cars on the road increase the risk of accidents and interference with crews.

Remove cars off of the street so plows can work more efficiently and clear the entire roadway.

Do your best to clear all sidewalks adjacent to your property before 11 a.m. the following day after the snow event, in accordance with the Good Neighbour Bylaw.

Be a snow angel and help your neighbours who need assistance.

Remember when shovelling your driveway to pile the snow on the left side of the driveway (facing the property), so when plows go by, they won’t drag the shovelled piles back into your driveway entrance.

Clear any catch basins on your street to allow the water to flow. Not only will this reduce flooding but it will get the water off the streets to reduce icy patches when temperatures drop.

Clear the snow away from fire hydrants for easy access by firefighters if needed.

Worried about garbage collection? Place your carts out at their designated collection point by 7 a.m. on your regularly scheduled garbage day. Garbage collection may be limited in laneways and side streets that trucks cannot safely access. If your garbage is not collected, residents can place an extra bag of garbage alongside their carts on their next collection day.

Be careful on the road

Approach or pass snow-clearing vehicles with care and consideration. Large work vehicles can sometimes make unexpected turns or stops.

Surfaces such as roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. Slow down driving speeds in slippery conditions, drive to the conditions and watch for taillights ahead while maintaining a safe following distance.



Monique Tamminga

About the Author: Monique Tamminga

Monique brings 20 years of award-winning journalism experience to the role of editor at the Penticton Western News. Of those years, 17 were spent working as a senior reporter and acting editor with the Langley Advance Times.
Read more