City of Vancouver says it is fully stocked with salt, prepared for next snowfall
The madness continues.
Once again, Vancouverites desperately lined up at fire halls across the city get their hands on free, ice-melting salt. The crowds were chaotic and many residents left empty handed.
But the City of Vancouver is ensuring residents that it is fully stocked with salt for the upcoming snowfall expected this evening and throughout the weekend.
See also
- Up to 9 cm of snow for Metro Vancouver before weekend
- More salt set to be delivered to Vancouver fire stations tomorrow
- Going, going, gone: Free salt at Vancouver fire stations disappears in minutes
- A hero Vancouver needs: Axe-wielding 'Phantom Shovel' clears ice off streets
“There is ample salt supply for the City to prepare for the anticipated upcoming snowfall, and additional supplies of free salt for residential use are being delivered this afternoon to select fire halls,” the City said in a release.
Snow is expected this weekend, but we’ve got more than enough salt on hand, with even more shipments coming! pic.twitter.com/A6brVgS0wB
— City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) January 5, 2017
To avoid a future salt shortage crisis, the City has provided the following tips for residents:
- Shovel off any remaining ice or snow that is on the sidewalks or driveways from the December 31 snowfall;
- Lay salt down on sidewalks and driveways prior to the snowfall. This will help melt the ice and make it easier to remove;
- Shovel new snow as soon as possible to prevent build up and melting into an ice crust. While residents have until 10 am until after a snowfall to shovel sidewalks in front of their property, getting out early before the morning commute will help ensure snow isn’t packed down, and will make it easier to remove;
- Provide help to neighbours who cannot clear their own sidewalks, if you are able
Frustration over salt shortage
The City has been giving out free ice-melting salt at fire stations around Vancouver for the past two days.
However, supplies have quickly run out, creating frustration and chaos as many residents are trying to get their hands on the precious commodity.
Salt has arrived at Firehalls, but it’s going quickly. More to arrive after 12. #vfrsNaCl pic.twitter.com/wzjTUW0ibJ
— Vancouver Fire (@VanFireRescue) January 5, 2017
Wow Vancouver. Fighting over salt. #SaltCrisis
— sally (@balisally) January 5, 2017
Seeing these salt videos tells me one thing: There will be complete anarchy if a major disaster hits here. #Vancouver
— d a n n y . d (@whoisDannyD) January 5, 2017
“Vancouver is a world class city…” – meanwhile, people almost rioting over free salt because they didn’t deal with the 2in of snow earlier
— Coach Laxton (@CoachLaxton) January 5, 2017
According to the City of Vancouver, there is “more than enough salt on hand, with even more shipments coming.”
Update: no more salt will be sent to @VanFireRescue halls today. Look for 2 deliveries tomorrow (Thu Jan 5) in morn & afternoon. #bcstorm pic.twitter.com/XWAhMJpmVn
— City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) January 4, 2017
In a release, Mayor Gregor Robertson said he understands “the difficulties and frustrations this unusual winter weather has caused Vancouver residents.”
“It’s been challenging for us too,” Roberston stated. “I want to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation, and for doing your part in keeping our city safe,” Robertson adds.
Another delivery of salt arrived at Vancouver fire halls at noon on Thursday. To keep up to date on more deliveries, be sure to visit their Twitter page.
Free salt can be found at the following fire stations:
- Fire Hall #3 – 2801 Quebec Street
- Fire Hall #4 – 1475 W. 10th Avenue
- Fire Hall #7 – 1090 Haro Street
- Fire Hall #12 – 2460 Balaclava Street
- Fire Hall #13 – 4013 Prince Albert Street
- Fire Hall #14 – 2804 Venables Street
- Fire Hall #15 – 3003 E. 22nd Avenue
- Fire Hall #17 – 7070 Knight Street
- Fire Hall #19 – 4396 W. 12th Avenue
- Fire Hall #22 – 1005 W. 59th Avenue
Residents are advised to bring their own bucket and shovel to the fire stations and take a maximum of one small bucket.
More snow for Metro Vancouver
Metro Vancouver is set for more snow. Up to 4 cm of snow is expected on Thursday evening followed by another 5 cm throughout Friday.
And more will fall over the weekend, and possibly even throughout much of next week.
Temperature lows will warm up slightly to just below or above the freezing mark beginning today, a sharp contrast from the lows of -6 or -7°C experienced over the past few nights.
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