The city of Victoria's Public Works department is preparing for the next wave of snowy weather heading our way.
Ed Robertson is the city's Assistant Dirtector of Engineering and Public Works. He says they are tracking the weather system and mixing up a brine -- or salt water solution -- for the roads:
"And in advance we're also making sure the streets all have a layer of brine on them which helps to inhibit ice, but also a layer, if it does snow, makes it easier to clear off."
Roberston says staff are prepped 24 hours in advance every day.
He also reminds residents and businesses to have snow and ice cleared from their frontages and sidewalks by 10:00 am to ensure people can get around safely. Bylaw officers can issue a $125 fine for those who do not comply, and visits are generally complaint-driven:
"Generally its complaint driven. I mean if we had a longer event our Bylaw officers would probably be doing some checking. But again, we don't have alot of resources ajnd there's an awful lot of properties. Because it's not just residential, it's all properties in the city."
Robertson says corner properties must clear both sides and businesses must do the length of their properties. The city clears in front of civic buildings and bus stops -- starting in the downtown core and working out from there -- as well as the "let downs" at crosswalks.