Snow & Winter Operations

With more than 90 kilometers of roads and 23 kilometers of sidewalks in Castlegar, there’s a lot to keep clear. That’s why we use a five-tier priority system to clean up.

Civic Works

Snow Plowing vs Snow Removal

What’s the difference? Snow plowing takes place during snow events and involves clearing roadways from curb to curb to open the road. Snow removal is a systematic approach to remove snow banks on roadsides to improve snow storage capacity.

Help Us Move Faster

Following the City’s Guidelines can help to speed up the process, allowing staff to clear roadways faster and get to the next priority route quicker. There are a number of things that residents can do to help make snow clearing go quicker and easier.

Know the Priority Routes

This system sets emergency and key transit routes, steep hills and main arterial roads as a priority to keep our City moving. It is important to remember, as long as it is snowing, crews will be focused on keeping high priority routes clear first.

Remove Obstacles

Unused vehicles, boats, trailers, basketball nets, etc. should be removed from City streets.

DO NOT install metal posts or rocks on boulevards as snow plow markers. These could cause injury and/or equipment damage and slow down the snow plowing and removal process.
Keep fire hydrants on your property clear of obstructions, including snow, to make them accessible during emergencies.

Collect Your Waste Carts & Recycle Bins After Collection

It may only take a moment for our crews to move carts & bins, but with thousands of properties this slows down snow removal. Please remove your carts & bins as soon as possible after collection.

Know the Bylaws

As a property owner, you have snow responsibilities too. Please do your part to keep everyone safe and moving.

DO NOT shovel, plow, or blow snow onto City streets. Violations are subject to bylaw enforcement.
Before the City has plowed, snow should be removed to the left side of the driveway, facing the street, to reduce the amount of snow deposited across your driveway.
The City will not clear snow from private driveways.
Remove snow, ice, or rubbish from sidewalks bordering your property. This should be done within 24 hours of such accumulation.

Make Some Room

Slow down and follow snow plow and removal equipment at a safe distance until there is a safe, legal opportunity to pass.

Equipment may slow down, turn and back up frequently. Stay back.
Children should never play on snowbanks and should always remain away from snow plowing and removal equipment.

Video: Snow Shoveling Secrets

Tired of shoveling your driveway a second time after the snowplow deposits snow across the entrance when it plows your street? Check out the video below for a simple tip to avoid having to shovel it again, courtesy of the Missouri Department of Transportation.

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Contractors & Businesses

Snow Storage

Contractors plowing for commercial businesses must contain snow on site or relocate it. Snow deposited on City property or streets will be removed by City crews and the costs will be billed to the contractor or property owner.

Dump Permits

A Snow Dump Permit is required to dump snow at the City Complex Snow Dump Facility. A map of your designated snow dump area and gate code to the facility’s padlock will be issued after an application is submitted and approved and the $750 permit fee is paid.

Applications are available at City Hall and Civic Works or see Apply for a Snow Dump Permit to download.