Winter Snow & Ice Control Operations
To report a snow or ice problem please click here
During the winter months the Metro Vancouver region which includes Surrey experiences snow and ice events that can cause hazardous driving conditions. This webpage contains valuable information relating to the City of Surrey Snow & Ice Control Coverage Area and Policy as well as helpful advice relating to minimizing impacts from snow and ice.
If you have any inquiries regarding the City’s Snow & Ice Control Operations, please contact the City of Surrey’s Engineering-Operations Division at 604-591-4152 or click here submit your inquiry online. The City will place Weather and Road Condition advisories on this webpage. Please make sure to check back to this website periodically during a snow event for any critical updates impacting Surrey roads.
We thank you in advanced for your cooperation patience and understanding during these events.
Snow & Ice Control Operations
Snow & Ice Operations are carried out on a priority basis to ensure the safety of motorists travelling throughout the City during adverse conditions. Snow routes are prioritized based on traffic volume, speed, road classification, road terrain, transit and emergency services. These operations include salting, sanding operations during deteriorating weather conditions. They also include snow ploughing which commences once snow accumulations reach 100mm (4 inches).
First Priority Routes:
Snow & Ice Operations are engaged initially on Arterial Roads, Major Collector Roads, Bus Routes and roads with steep hills (regardless of road classification). In addition, first priority routes will also include roads fronting and/or leading to schools and long-term care facilities. Please note that 24 hour sanding and salting operations are carried-out on First Priority Routes as long as adverse weather or driving conditions exist.
Second Priority Routes:
Snow and Ice Operations will continue onto Second Priority Routes only after adverse weather conditions subside and all First Priority routes are cleared for safe motor vehicle passage. During short duration snow storms second and third priority routes rarely receive service due to the time required to address first priority/major routes.
Second Priority Routes - are defined as local connector roads in residential subdivisions. These roads are typically over 200 meters in length and connect local traffic with either an arterial or major collector roadway. All Second Priority work is performed during normal work hours only.
Third Priority Routes:
Third Priority Routes - are defined as all remaining local residential roads. Third Priority Routes will only be maintained after all First and Second Priority routes are completed and driving conditions are deemed to be safe on those priority routes. The General Manager of Engineering uses his discretion in determining if third priority work is required. Third Priority work is carried out during normal work hours only.
In the event that adverse conditions resurface during clearing of Second and Third priority routes, resources and equipment will revert back to focusing solely on First Priority routes.
Click here to download a map of the City's Snow and Ice Routes.
Anti-Icing Program:
The City Anti-icing program is engaged to treat the surfaces of major arterial roads in advance of forecasted snow/ice conditions. Anti-icing includes applying a brine solution which dries on roads with the residual salt taking effect immediately when snow begins to fall or when freezing temperatures occur. This approach effectively reduces or slows down the accumulation of snow & ice on treated pavement surfaces.
Public Responsibility
Residents and businesses are responsible under City By-Laws to clear any accumulated snow from sidewalks located adjacent to their property as soon as possible to ensure the safety of pedestrians. While clearing sidewalks please do not push snow onto the street as snow equipment may plough the snow back onto the sidewalk area. This may also present a hazard to
motorists or cause vehicle access issues.
Helpful Tips
- To ensure that Snow & Ice Operations are conducted in the most effective and efficient manner, we request that you refrain from parking your vehicle along the curb during snowfall events. If this is not possible, we ask that you please make an attempt at coordinating efforts with your neighbours to park vehicles along the same side of the street within your neighbourhood.
- Please note that during snow removal operations, the snow is ploughed toward the road-edge. Accordingly, this may result in some driveways and/or sidewalks being blocked by the ploughed snow where snow plough operations occur. We apologize for this inconvenience; however, in some cases this is unavoidable. Should this occur along your property frontage, please do not shovel snow from your driveway onto roadways as this may result in snowploughs pushing the snow back into your driveway and may contribute to vehicle access problems along your street. We recommend that you place snow onto your lawn or onto adjacent snow piles or onto your lawn.
Snow Clearing List for Residents and Businesses
Snowfall and cold temperatures present challenges for property owners with respect to keeping sidewalks, private driveways, parking areas, etc. clear of accumulated snow and ice. In an effort to minimize these challenges, the City has compiled a list of snow and ice removal contractors that is available for hire by property owners on a direct user-pay basis. Please click here to download or view this list.
Winter Driving Safety Tips
Winter driving can be challenging for even the most experienced drivers. Poor visibility and the presence of snow, slush and ice are additional hazards we normally don’t have to deal with. Having the correct tires can make driving in winter conditions easier.
Your vehicle’s tires should be suited to your specific driving needs. The tires you need depends on when, where and what you drive.
Consulting your local tire retailer can make your winter driving experiences safer and less stressful.
A comprehensive list of Lower Mainland Tire Dealers can be accessed at the Western Canada Tire Dealers Association by following this link: www.wctd.ca/bc.
Please click here for detailed information on Winter Tires.
Other driving tips:
- Tune up and winterize your vehicle
- Clean snow and ice off your vehicle and ensure your headlights and windows are clear
- Give yourself extra time to reach your destination
- Reduce your speed and turn on your headlights
- Drive defensively
- Leave extra distance between you and the car ahead of you
- Leave 50 meters distance between your vehicle and the City's snow clearing equipment
Safety & Preparation Tips
- Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic, to prevent getting in the way of snowploughs. In these kinds of conditions, please always ensure that children are accompanied by an adult when walking on City streets.
- Advise children to refrain from playing on the streets.
- Please ensure that you have snow shovels, salt and de-icers to deal with winter conditions.
Garbage & Recycling Services During Snow Events
With regards to garbage & recycling collection during snow events, residents must ensure not to place their waste receptacles on the roadway where snow ploughing may take place. Also, please note that prolonged snowfall combined with icy conditions may result in delayed garbage and recycling collection. Should this occur, the City will make every effort to resume collection the following day, or allow residents to place double their weekly limit at curbside the following week. Please click here for an update on waste collection services during snowfall.
Drainage Systems
If you are aware that a catch basin exists in front of your property, please help us by ensuring to keep it clear especially during melting conditions. Blocked catch basins may result in excess accumulation of water along the road area, a situation that could become dangerous if it subsequently freezes. It may also result in flooding of adjacently properties depending on the extent of the blockage and the amount of melting snow.