Posted:
Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017 (Halifax, NS) – Batten down the hatches; the Halifax Regional Municipality is preparing for the expected arrival overnight of a significant winter storm with blizzard-like conditions.
Environment Canada has issued a blizzard warning for the Halifax region in anticipation of a severe weather system that is expected to create treacherous winter conditions, with upwards of 50 to 60 cm of snow accumulation expected between midnight tonight and the early morning hours on Tuesday.
Streets and sidewalks have been prepped with de-icing products, and winter operations and emergency crews are on standby to respond to changing conditions as necessary.
The overnight winter parking ban will be enforced from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m., Monday, Feb. 13. 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.
High winds gusting from 65 km/hr to 100 km/hr are expected to accompany this weather system, which will result in white-out conditions with near zero visibility at times. The combination of heavy snowfall with gusty winds will create challenging conditions for winter operations crews and other motorists. Residents are encouraged to stay home during the storm where possible, so crews can safely maintain priority and emergency routes.
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.
The municipality requests assistance from residents on the above-noted actions in support of winter operations crews and emergency service providers, who are committed to keeping residents safe during this severe winter storm.
Municipal Service & Program Closures/Cancellations
Halifax Transit:
Halifax Transit will not have any buses or ferries in operation on Monday, Feb. 13, due to the timing of the storm system, and combination of high snow volume and winds expected throughout the day. Safety of residents and employees is of utmost importance. Given the current forecasts, it appears the heaviest and fastest snowfall will occur between mid-morning and late afternoon, which would certainly result in transit service delays, detours, or cancellations. Cancelling transit service for the entire day will ensure that no passengers or employees are stranded on the road, at work or at school without a safe way to get home.
The municipality recognizes public transit is needed for travel by many residents, however, given the anticipated conditions tomorrow it would not be safe to deliver transit service in the morning if afternoon service cannot be guaranteed.
Garbage, Recycling, Green Cart Collection:
Curbside collection of garbage, recycling and green carts has been cancelled for Monday, Feb. 13, in anticipation of inclement weather and deterioration of road conditions throughout the day. Those residents who would normally have garbage, recycling or green cart collection on Monday, Feb. 13 will instead be allowed double bag limits on the next regular collection cycle on Monday, Feb. 27.
The following solid waste management facilities will also be closed on Monday, Feb. 13, due to the winter storm:
• Otter Lake Waste Processing & Disposal Facilities, 600 Otter Lake Drive
• Materials Recycling Facility at 20 Horseshoe Lake Drive
• Composting facilities at 80 Gloria McCluskey Avenue, Burnside and 61 Evergreen Place, Goodwood.
Municipal Offices & Recreation Facilities:
All municipal offices, customer service centres, and recreation facilities will be closed on Monday, Feb. 13.
As we expect clean-up operations for this weather event to take several days, a further update on the status of municipal facilities, programs and services for Tuesday, Feb. 14, will be issued by 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 13.
The 311 call centre will be open for regular operating hours on Monday, Feb. 13; please note that residents should refrain from contacting 311 for snow clearing related service requests until service time lines have expired following the end of the event. 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 thanks residents in advance for their patience and cooperation; we can’t control Mother Nature but if we all work together we can be better prepared for whatever this winter storm may bring.
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