Snow & Ice Control
When The Snow Flies...
The District of Tofino aims to provide safe passage for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists by carrying out prompt snow and ice control operations on District roads, sidewalks, and the Multi-Use Path (MUP), in accordance with Council-approved priorities.
The District maintains approximately 18 kilometres of paved roadways, 10 kilometres of sidewalks, 8 kilometres of multi-use path and 14 municipal parking lots. During the winter months, these essential networks support daily life, emergency response, and business activity.
Severe weather conditions can impact community safety, mobility, and operations. To address this, the District’s Snow and Ice Control Policy provides a clear, consistent framework for managing snow and ice events.
Snow and ice control is a shared effort that depends on everyone’s cooperation. To support safe and efficient operations:
- Avoid parking vehicles on the street during snow events.
- Give plows and sanding trucks plenty of space to operate.
- Use caution when walking, cycling, or driving as conditions can change quickly.
The District appreciates the community’s patience and understanding during winter weather events.
Click image to enlarge
How Snow & Ice Is Cleared
District of Tofino Responsibilities
Snow and ice control efforts are prioritized based on infrastructure type and available resources. Operations are conducted in the following order:
- Roadways
- Municipal Parking Lots
- Sidewalks
- Multi-Use Path (MUP)
This prioritization ensures safe passage for emergency vehicles, maintains access to critical community facilities, and supports the safe movement of residents and visitors.
The District encourages everyone to travel with caution during winter events, adjusting speed and awareness to match road conditions.
Ministry of Transportation & Transit Responsibilities
While District crews manage snow and ice within municipal boundaries, the Ministry of Transportation & Transit (MOTT) is responsible for maintaining Highway 4 through town, including Campbell Street and First Street between Campbell Street and First Street Dock.
For concerns in these areas, contact the 24-hour Road Reporting Line at 1-877-215-6006.
Roadway Priorities
Snow and ice control on District roadways follows the tiered system listed below. Crews maintain each priority level until routes are safe and passable, then shift resources to the next priority in the sequence. Refer to the list below for a full list of roads and their priority levels.
Ice Control and Sanding
When temperatures are forecast to reach 0°C or below, the District will initiate sanding and ice control on Priority 1 and 2 roadways.
Priority 1 - Main & Emergency Routes
Includes main roads that provide access to:
- The hospital
- Fire Hall
- RCMP detachment
- Elementary school and childcare facilities
- Senior centre
- Municipal Office
Crews maintain Priority 1 roads until they are passable and safe for travel. Once these routes are under control, resources move to the next priority level.
Priority 2 - Secondary & Hillside Routes
Includes the remaining main and hillside roads that connect neighbourhoods and provide access to essential services.
Priority 3 - Local & Residential Roads
Includes all remaining roadways not identified as Priority 1 or 2. These areas will be plowed once higher-priority routes are maintained and may remain with a compacted snow surface rather than bare pavement.
In rare circumstances, if snowfall is extensive and storage capacity is exceeded, snow may be removed and hauled to designated snow disposal sites.
Sidewalks & Multi-Use Path
The District will maintain Priority 1 & 2 sidewalks as detailed below.
Homeowners or occupants are responsible for clearing sidewalks in front of their homes or properties.
The MUP is a necessary transportation and recreation route connecting Tofino’s neighbourhoods.
- Snow and ice control begins at the downtown core and continues southward along the path.
- Maintenance is conducted during regular working hours and as resources allow.
- If conditions make sections of the MUP unsafe or impassable, the District may temporarily close sections until maintenance can be completed safely.
Priority 1 Sidewalks
High-use and steep areas, including routes serving emergency services, schools, and downtown.
Priority 1 sidewalks are cleared within 8 hours of the end of snowfall.
Priority 2 Sidewalks
Remaining downtown and municipal sidewalks.
Priority 2 sidewalks are cleared within 48 hours, subject to available resources.
Contact
Public Works Staff
250-725-3229
Email Public Works
If calling after hours, please contact the After Hours Emergency Line at 250-726-7837