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- Snowy conditions result in various New West closures
Snowy conditions result in various New West closures
The BC government is also asking people to avoid non-essential travel
Ria Renouf
December 20, 2022
The BC Government estimates 25 cm of snow fell in many parts of Greater Vancouver
With at least 25 centimetres of snow falling overnight into Tuesday in the Greater Vancouver area, the BC government is asking people to stay home if they can.
"The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure's maintenance contractors are out in full force to clear snow and apply sand. It is important for drivers to keep their distance as sand is applied and not to pass winter maintenance equipment," a statement from the province reads.
New Westminster is not exempt from the snowfall, with a number of places in the city running on modified schedules or closing altogether.
Mayor Patrick Johnstone said on Twitter that crews were out and about in the city working overnight, but that the rate of snowfall meant that they had to prioritize the routes that are critical for public safety.
...but with the rate of snowfall, they had to prioritize routes – those critical for public safety. Main routes are mostly in good shape, but the road from your driveway to them may be treacherous, and may not get cleared soon...
— Patrick Johnstone (@PJNewWest)
3:34 PM • Dec 20, 2022
Local businesses also took to social media to share whether they'd be open.
"Gino’s will be CLOSED on Tuesday, December 20 due to snow. Stay safe, everyone!"
"Due to heavy snow, New West location is closed today," reads an Instagram story from Caffe Mira in Victoria Hill. "Our staff had [sic] tried their best to commute there ... no luck. We sent them home to keep warm."
Gastronomia in downtown New West also posted to Instagram stories to say they were closed due to the weather.
It was a busy Tuesday morning for New Westminster Police (NWPD), who have also asked people not to drive if they can.
Just before 3:30am, NWPD posted to its Twitter account, noting the closure of 3rd Ave. between 12th St. and Stewardson Way.
Due to dangerous road conditions in New Westminster, 3rd Ave is closed between 12th St and Stewardson Way. #NewWest
— New Westminster Police Department (@NewWestPD)
11:24 AM • Dec 20, 2022
Through its social media channels, the City of New Westminster has posted a list of open and closed facilities:
What's open?
•City Hall
•New West Public Library—main branch only; the Queensborough branch is CLOSED
•Fire, police, the electric utility, engineering operations—these are functioning with essential staffing
•Q2Q ferry—currently operating, but may need to change depending on weather-related developments
SPECIAL ALERT: For Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Be safe out there! #NewWest#NewWestminster#NWPLibrary#Burnaby— NWPLibrary (@NWPLibrary)
4:09 PM • Dec 20, 2022
What's closed or operating with modifications?
•Moody Park Arena—the building is OPEN but programs and activities are not running
•Queens Park Arena—the building is OPEN but programs and activities are not running
•Solid waste collection—POSTPONED
•Anvil Centre—CLOSED
•Century House—CLOSED
•Centennial Community Centre—CLOSED
•Queensborough Community Centre—CLOSED
•Sportsplex—CLOSED
•New West Youth Centre—CLOSED