Vancouver could fine locals for uncleared, snowy sidewalks
Posted December 21, 2022 8:06 pm.
Last Updated December 21, 2022 8:10 pm.
It may be time to grab out your shovels, as the City of Vancouver says locals could be fined for not clearing off sidewalks.
As Vancouver was among one of many of cities across B.C.’s South Coast to see a significant snowfall, the director of solid waste management and green operations at the city says most people have been helping to shovel the white flakes.
“What we find right now we’ve got about 300 complaints that have come in that we have our inspectors following up on what we find is that a lot of cases by the time our inspectors arrive there, people have already cleaned their sidewalk,” Albert Shamess said.
But, for those who don’t, it could mean hundreds of dollars in fines.
Vancouver residents like you play an important role in keeping our city safe during winter. Snow & ice on the sidewalk can be a barrier for many people, particularly seniors & people with mobility challenges. Learn how you can help in your neighbourhood ➡️ https://t.co/6JYNYelIbd pic.twitter.com/K0kowW0uh5
— City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) December 20, 2022
“The initial fine is $250, so that’s what comes with the ticket. If you don’t respond to the ticket, then you can be fined up to $750,” Shamess explained.
He says if the ticket price gets that high, the city is required to go to court to enforce the fine.
In 2021, Shamess says that, of about 280 tickets, 10 per cent people fined ended up with tickets higher than the initial fine.
“That’s 10 per cent of a have a relatively small number of locations in the city to begin with. So that’s why I say I think, you know, we really have good cooperation from the members of publican in the city of Vancouver.”
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Shamess says clearing sidewalks is an important factor in keeping locals safe.
“It’s important that it’s a safe sidewalk, it’s an accessible sidewalk. You don’t want to create problems for people to try and navigate down the sidewalks. We have a lot of…people that need an accessible sidewalk. If you get a lot of ice on the sidewalk of course it’s very slippery, people might fall and injure themselves. So it’s really important that we consider our neighbors in this process,” he explained.
He says for people that can’t clear their own sidewalks, the city has a “Snow Angel program” where volunteers help clear snow.
According to the city’s website, the program matches up people with limited mobility around Vancouver with neighbours who are willing to get their shovels out and lend a helping hand.
“Snow Angels assist those who are unable to obtain assistance from professional snow removal companies, members of household, friends, or neighbours,” the City of Vancouver’s website reads.
