Snow and Ice Control

Although the District of Kent has a generally mild climate, winter weather can be unpredictable. Our Public Works department is responsible for winter operations on our roads and follow our snow and ice clearing procedures, policies, and priorities to manage winter weather events in our community.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and their maintenance contractors are responsible for snow clearing services for Highway 7 (Lougheed) and Highway 9 (includes Agassiz-Rosedale, Haig and Rockwell Drive).

To provide an effective and efficient response to winter storm events, Council adopted the snow and ice control policy to define levels of service to be provided for winter weather events throughout the District.

Snow App

Use our snow app to find out which roads will be cleared first. The app also has links to traffic cameras and other useful information.

Snow Clearing Priorities

First priority routes are maintained until conditions are under control; only then are resources re-directed onto secondary routes. As soon as conditions deteriorate on any of the first priorities, resources will be allocated back to those routes.

Addressing road priorities may be balanced against efficiency of operations, resulting in some lower priority roads being treated because they are near high priority routes. If there is an emergency, resources will be diverted to a non-priority road to allow access.

First Priority Roads

Road access for emergency service providers, such as Fire, Police and Ambulance.
Access to District water and wastewater facilities.
School bus routes on school days.
Streets that provide access to senior and long-term care facilities.
Commercial core and collector routes.
Rural milk truck routes.
Federal prison access routes.

Secondary Priority Roads (No Particular Order)

Residential subdivisions and local roads.
Sidewalks bordering District owned properties.
District owned parking lots.
Sidewalk let downs for pedestrian crosswalks

Snow Control Plan

In addition to the snow app, our snow control plan summarizes all aspects of the winter operations program.

Information for Residents

During snow and ice events, both the District and its residents have certain responsibilities.

Community Responsibilities and Tips

Clear snow and ice from sidewalks surrounding property by 12:00 noon the day following the accumulation.
Park vehicles in driveways to allow District snow plows to properly maintain roads.
Avoid placing cleared snow or ice on any roadway, sidewalk or boulevard; pile snow on your property.
If you must place snow on the roadway, place it to the right (when facing the roadway) so plows will not re-plow snow back into your driveway.
Reduce flooding problems by clearing snow and debris away from drainage catch basins.
Be a good neighbour and help seniors and those with limited mobility to clear their driveway or sidewalk.

Winter Driving Tips

Drive more slowly and watch for pedestrians.
Leave more room from the vehicle in front of you and do not pass snow clearing equipment.
Ensure your vehicle has good winter tires and is in good repair.
Leave extra room when near snow removal equipment.

Snow Angel Program

It's the neighbourly thing to do!

If you have mobility issues and are unable to clear your driveway and property frontage after a snowfall, become a member of our snow angel program. Be a good neighbour, anyone 16 years and up can lend a helping shovel.