While the snow has municipal crews around the capital region working around the clock to keep roads clear, most municipal halls decided to close their doors and many shut down other services, as well.
Halls were closed to the public Tuesday in North Saanich, Highlands, Sooke, Metchosin, Saanich, Sidney and Central Saanich.
Langford municipal hall was expected to be closed until at least midday Tuesday.
“This is so that we can encourage residents to stay home to allow us to properly clear our roads,” said director of engineering Michelle Mahovlich.
“This is going to take some time due to the volume of snow we got out here, especially at altitudes such as Bear Mountain, Triangle Mountain and Mill Hill.”
Mahovlich said Langford called in its auxiliary plow drivers overnight and had two dedicated plows going all night on Bear Mountain Parkway alone. “We are ‘all hands on deck.’ “
Victoria’s city hall was open Tuesday, but with only limited services available.
“We are encouraging folks to access online where possible,” said spokeswoman Colleen Mycroft, adding Crystal Pool is open, curbside garbage is not happening and crews clearing roads are focused on emergency routes.
Saanich decided to close all four of its recreation centres as well as Cedar Hill Golf Course.
“We will re-assess tomorrow and open our facilities as conditions permit,” said Kelsi McLeod.
Saanich crews are prioritizing snow removal on roads based on emergency access routes, major roads, priority bus routes and steep residential hills.
Oak Bay asked residents to use caution on the roads and avoid driving if possible.
The district closed its public works yard and cancelled garbage pickup Tuesday, while its Henderson and Monterey recreation centres were also closed. Oak Bay Recreation Centre remained open.
Esquimalt’s municipal hall was also open Tuesday, but like Victoria, it was offering only limited services and garbage pickup was cancelled.
Britt Burnham, spokeswoman for Central Saanich, said staff were working remotely and the police service front counter is closed.
“The public can visit our websites for online services or reach out via email,” she said. “Municipal yard crews work around the clock during snow events such as this.”
As well as shutting its municipal hall Tuesday, Metchosin cancelled its “Coffee with the Mayor” event scheduled for the afternoon — the next one will be held Jan. 10.
The district also cancelled a number of committee and planning meetings due to the snowfall.
View Royal’s municipal hall is open, though chief administration officer Kim Anema noted some staff have had trouble getting there due to the snow.
“Our building inspection schedule is disrupted and outside parks staff are focused on snow removal at the Town Hall and at some accessibility points throughout, such as sidewalks next to parks, and bus stops,” he said.
Colwood city hall also had limited staff on site Tuesday as employees stayed home and worked remotely.
“The sledding on the hill at city hall for those who can walk over is excellent,” noted Colwood spokeswoman Sandra Russell.
In Nanaimo, all registered recreation programs were cancelled on Tuesday, but some drop-in programs and rentals remained open, including the Nanaimo Ice Centre, Cliff McNabb arena and Beban Pool.
Garbage and recycling services were cancelled Tuesday, and anyone with carts outside was asked to bring them in. The city says it will restore curbside collection as quickly as possible, depending on the weather forecast, and residents will be able to put extra recycling and garbage out on their next collection days.
aduffy@timescolonist.com
