Snow and Road Clearing Update - January 2022

Kitimat is seeing an unusually cold winter. In December, the average temperature in Kitimat is usually about -2°C, and this year it was -7°C, with a cold snap of -20°C at times. It's been cold in January too, where the average temperature is -3°C and this year its averaged -10°C degrees. Here are a few things to keep in mind this winter:

  • Through December and January, freezing rain has caused ice buildup on roads, sidewalks, and driveways that can’t be melted with salt. Please drive cautiously, put your vehicle in 4-wheel drive if you have it, and consider wearing spikes on your shoes to reduce the risk of slipping.
  • Our crews are out at all times sanding and plowing roads and sidewalks- even overnight. Please be careful around this machinery. Give them space to work by keeping a safe distance and driving slowly.
  • Our crews are continuing to grade the roadways. As it warms up, the grader will begin to lift ice from the street, creating uneven roadways and in some places, ‘ice potholes’. This is a necessary step in removing ice from the roads. We are working hard to make sure that the roads are cleared, flat and even. Please drive slowly and cautiously, and exercise patience with other drivers as they do the same.
With temperatures as low as they are, we know that some streets and sidewalks have accumulated ice and snow. Our crews are working around the clock to make our streets and sidewalks safe for everyone. Over the past few weeks, the District dispatched the most equipment it has in history: four graders, seven blowers, three snow plows, four sidewalk machines, two loaders, and three contract loaders. Please be patient with snow clearers and each other as we all work to make sure our roads and sidewalks are safe.
If you have questions or comments about snow clearing, we encourage you to reach out to dok@kitimat.ca or call 250-632-8900 so we can make sure to direct your comments to the right place.

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