Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 (Halifax, NS) – The Halifax Regional Municipality continues to be affected by significant snowfall accumulation and strong winds as part of the current winter storm.
Approximately 45 cm of snow has fallen in the Halifax region since earlier this morning, with current forecasts anticipating an additional 10 to 12 cm of snowfall possible before tapering to flurries early Tuesday morning. High winds are also expected to continue throughout the overnight hours, which will result in a continuation of blowing, drifting snow conditions through to the morning hours.
Winter Operations crews continue the uphill battle to keep main streets and emergency routes passable, an effort which has been hampered by the continued snowfall and blowing, drifting snow throughout the day. In order to maintain these routes, there has been very limited ability to deploy resources to address residential areas. For these same reasons, sidewalk clearing has also been severely compromised given that snowfall is still underway, and street clearing operations continue to push snow back from streets.
We anticipate that an additional 24 hours will be required before street conditions improve across the region, particularly in residential areas. Crews will continue to focus on addressing main streets and emergency routes until such time that weather conditions improve overnight. Work to provide initial access cuts on residential streets will begin overnight; however, full width clearing will not get underway in these areas until the daytime hours on Tuesday.
Sidewalks and bus stops are not expected to see improved conditions for the next 36 to 48 hours, given the outstanding street clearing work yet to take place.
The overnight winter parking ban will be enforced from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14. Vehicles must be off-street during these hours or they will be subject to ticketing and towing. Residents are also reminded that vehicles impeding snow clearing operations can be ticketed and towed at any time under S. 139 of the Motor Vehicle Act. It is critical that vehicles are removed from streets and sidewalk areas during the parking ban to allow crews to properly clear snow and maintain safe vehicular and pedestrian travel ways.
Residents are also advised to remove any obstructions such as sports nets, garbage bins, planters, and other moveable objects, away from the curb and sidewalk areas, to allow safe and efficient snow clearing.
Motorists, pedestrians and cyclists are all advised to travel with extra care and look out for one another, and our equipment, over the coming days.
Municipal Service & Program Closures/Cancellations
Halifax Transit:
Halifax Transit plans to resume ferry service beginning at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14, barring any mechanical issues or unforeseen circumstances that may impact service delivery.
Bus service is targeted to resume operations at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Resuming bus service any earlier in the day would not be feasible given the poor street, sidewalk and bus stop conditions that are anticipated tomorrow morning following this exceptional weather event. The combination of a sustained snowfall and blowing, drifting snow has significantly slowed progress of Winter Operations crews.
As noted above, street and sidewalk clearing in residential areas will be fully engaged on Tuesday, however in the interim, there is no safe manner for bus passengers to travel to or from bus stops. Additionally, bus passengers should be advised that the majority of bus stops will not begin to see snow removal operations until Tuesday evening.
The municipality recognizes public transit is needed for travel by many residents, however the safety and security of residents and employees is of utmost importance. If you are planning to use transit services on Tuesday, please travel with extra caution, wear high-visibility clothing, and be aware that conditions on sidewalks and bus stops will not be fully accessible for several days.
Garbage, Recycling, Green Cart Collection:
Curbside collection of garbage, recycling and green carts has been cancelled for Tuesday, Feb. 14, in anticipation of challenging road conditions tomorrow. Those residents who would normally have had garbage, recycling or green cart collection on Tuesday, Feb. 14 will instead be allowed double bag limits on the next regular collection cycle on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Solid waste management facilities, including Otter Lake Waste Processing & Disposal Facilities, the Recycling Facility and composting facilities will be open for regular operating hours on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Please be advised there may be minor delays in opening times to accommodate required snow clearing on site.
Municipal Offices & Recreation Facilities:
All municipal offices, customer service centres, and recreation facilities will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 14, given the challenging travel conditions expected tomorrow.
The 311 call centre will be open for regular operating hours on Tuesday, Feb. 14; please note that residents should refrain from contacting 311 for snow clearing requests at this time. For emergencies, please call 911.
For the most up-to-date information on snow clearing operations and weather-related impacts on any municipal program or service, follow @hfxgov on Twitter or visit www.halifax.ca/snow/update.php. Residents without internet access can obtain this information by contacting 311.
The municipality asks for residents’ patience and understanding as we continue to manage the outcome of this severe winter storm.
Source: Release
