It looks like Delta and the region will be getting some snow within the next few days.
According to the latest forecast by Environment Canada, we’ll have rain this weekend with a chance of rain or flurries Sunday night, followed by a mix of sun and cloud on Monday.
On Tuesday, during the daytime, we could have a mix of rain or snow with a high of three degrees, followed by snow at night.
On Wednesday during the day, we could once again have rain or snow, with snow at night and a low of minus-five degrees. The current forecast has us back to a mix of sun and cloud by Thursday.
To be discussed at city council on Monday, a report by Delta’s engineering department outlines the steps that have been taken to prepare for this year's winter season, including key response initiatives during extreme snow and ice events.
The department is also outlining annual flood preparedness activities for Boundary Bay Village and Beach Grove.
The report notes that Delta's independent weather forecaster (Weathernet) provides an annual outlook for the winter season, which allows the engineering department to prepare for snow and ice operations.
The forecast indicates the region may experience cool winter temperatures again, similar to what Lower Mainland residents experienced last season.
The region could expect to see one to two snow events that are likely to occur between January and March.
Delta's Ladner Worksyard is fully stocked with 1,300 metric tonnes of salt.
The North Delta Worksyard is also stocked with approximately 1,300 metric tonnes of salt.
As well, the city is securing a contract with Mainroad Contracting that guarantees up to an additional 3,000 metric tonnes of road salt for this season, which in conjunction with the 2,600 metric tonnes currently available in Delta’s salt sheds, provides a total salt availability of 5,600 metric tonnes.
In addition to road salt, engineering operations continues to make its own salt brine. Salt brine is used to pre-wet the priority routes in anticipation of snow and/or ice events.
All snow and ice equipment has been inspected and serviced for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, the emergency response protocol line was updated and available as of Nov. 7, 2022. It is the direct phone line for police, fire and ambulance to request site-specific snow clearing to provide access during emergencies. Salting trucks will divert from their regular duties to assist with emergency services requests.
Also, steps have been taken to ensure staff coverage during the holiday season and a night shift truck driver will be working seven days a week to reduce response time for snow and ice control from Dec. 1, 2022 to March 2023.
The "Winter Road Conditions" phone line (604-952-3820) is available to provide a voice message, updated every four hours during a snow-fighting event, with the current weather situation and Delta's response levels to the public.
A fleet of two tonne trucks are outfitted with plows and salting equipment to serve Delta's community centres, civic precincts and bus loops.
The report also notes changes have been made this year to better serve the community at the parks, recreation and culture facilities. Staff will be first responders to civic facility frontages using snow-blowing equipment, which is stationed at each facility.
In addition, the Snow Angels program, supported by the Parks, Recreation and Culture department, will again be available this year. The program assists seniors and those with physical disabilities who need a helping hand with driveway and sidewalk snow clearing.
