Winter Preparedness - Snow & Ice

During snow and ice conditions, Delta's Engineering Department is prepared and ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Engineering staff monitor Delta's roads for hazardous conditions and roads are cleared based on the priorities established in Delta's Snow and Ice Control Policy :

1. First Priority
   Public transit routes, major collectors, select school access roadways and some roads in hilly areas. Sanding and snowplowing are carried out as long as poor conditions exist, overtime is automatic.
2. Second Priority
   Secondary through roads in residential areas and school bus routes. Overtime may be scheduled to complete secondary priorities.
3. Third Priority
   Minor residential streets and cul-de-sacs. Work is carried out on a site specific basis, usually at the request of the residents and normally after inspection by a supervisor. Work is carried out during normal working hours only.

Call Delta's Winter Road Conditions phone line at 604-952-3820 for information on the current weather situation and Delta's response levels. Note: The message on this phone line is updated every four hours during a snow/ice event.

To report a snow/ice concern, use the On-Line Service Request Form. Alternatively, if you require assistance during regular office hours, please call the Engineering Department at (604) 946-3260. For emergencies after regular office hours, please call Delta Police at (604) 946-4411.

Snow and Ice Control Route Maps

• Annacis { pdf 84KB }
• Ladner { pdf 171KB }
  • East Ladner { pdf 117KB }
  • West Ladner { pdf 209KB }
• North Delta { pdf 284KB }
• Tilbury { pdf 86KB }
• Tsawwassen { pdf 183KB }

Your Role as a Business or Resident

Sidewalk Snow Removal

We would like to remind commercial property and business owners that you are responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks located adjacent to your property to ensure the safety of pedestrians.

We also request the assistance of residential property owners to clear snow from sidewalks abutting their property. While clearing sidewalks, please do not push snow onto the street as snow equipment may plow the snow back onto the sidewalk area.

Calling on Volunteers for our Snow Removal Program - Snow Angels

Delta is seeking volunteers for our Snow Angels Program, which helps Delta residents who need help shoveling snow from their driveway and sidewalk fronting their home.  If you would like to volunteer and have your own shovel and transportation, contact Delta's Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@delta.ca or call 604-946-3288. 

Helpful Tips

Your patience and co-operation is appreciated when our snow/ice program is in operation. The following are helpful snow tips to assist us in providing you with the best service possible:

• If possible, do not park your vehicle on the street or in your cul-de-sac
  An empty street makes the passage of snow plows and salt spreaders much easier.
• Do not attempt to stop the plow truck operators
  They follow specifically laid out routes and are under the direction of the Engineering Department. Please direct all requests, comments and concerns directly to the Engineering Department at (604) 946-3260 during business hours or to Delta Police at (604) 946-4411 after business hours.
• Walk on the left side of the road (facing traffic)
  On roadways where there are no sidewalks or the sidewalks are impassable due to snow. Give the snow plows as much room as possible. Our drivers are courteous, but the equipment they are operating are large and complex. Never attempt to stop a plow or salt truck.
• Never shovel snow from sidewalks and driveways into the street
  The snow plows always push the snow to the side of the road. Accordingly, this may result in snow being pushed back onto your driveway rather than having it plowed away. Pushing the snow from your driveway onto the road will add snow and ice to the road, creating a hazardous situation.
• Pile snow shoveled from your driveway on the right side facing the street
  This reduces the chance of having the plow pile the snow over your driveway entrance after you have shoveled it out. Our drivers attempt to leave clear entrance to driveway whenever possible; however, this is not always possible following heavy snowfall.
• Please shovel any catch basins if they are in front of your home
  Melting snow can drain into the storm system and this will reduce the chance of flooding and icing in the street as well as the chance of flooding on your property.
• Garbage cans and recycling should not be placed on the road
  Keep them on the sidewalk or boulevard and remove them as soon as possible after they have been emptied.

Winter Driving & Walking Safety Tips

Tips to Avoid Falls

• Wear well-insulated, waterproof boots with low heels. They should be lightweight, with tread, or traction-slip-ons or ice-picks.
• Expect a slippery surface
• Never wear indoor shoes outside.
• Shuffle slightly so both feet are down flat on the ground as you walk (this keeps your base of support low and stable).
• If you have a walker, buy slip-ups, traction covers for the legs (it's like having snow tires on your car).
  

Other driving tips:

• Put the correct tires on your vehicle for the season
• Tune up and winterize your vehicle
• Clean snow and ice off your vehicle to 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 vehicle ahead of you
• Leave at least 50 metres between your vehicle and Delta's snow clearing equipment

Garbage/Recycling Collection during Snowfall

In the event of hazardous conditions due to snow and ice, garbage and recycling collection may be delayed. If this occurs and your collection day is missed:

• The contractor will either attempt to make the collection later in the day or the following day. Please ensure your containers are not buried in the snow.
• If the contractor is not able to access your garbage/recycling containers, they will be collected on your next scheduled collection day.

For more information, please call Engineering at (604) 946-3260.

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