Route check
See where the City clears snow
Use the official map to check whether the road or route is part of Vancouver's priority snow network.
Open Vancouver's priority mapVancouver, BC winter guide
Vancouver snow plow and parking guide.
Vancouver focuses on major roads, bus and emergency routes, bridges, schools, and key walking and cycling routes. Most residential side streets and lanes are not included in the City's normal snow-clearing response.
Reviewed September 2, 2026City of Vancouver Winter Maintenance
SIDEWALK DEADLINEBy 10 a.m.
PRIORITY NETWORKMajor routes
CITY HELPVan311
Start with the official answer
Three useful ways to check Vancouver
These links go directly to the city tools residents need during a storm.
Current guidance
Read the City's storm update
Check the latest clearing priorities, sidewalk duty, salt guidance, and resident instructions.
Read Vancouver snow guidanceReport a problem
Send the exact location to Van311
Report an eligible issue on City property after confirming that the location is part of the municipal network.
Open Van311 snow reportingHow the response unfolds
What happens before your street is finished
Vancouver follows a local sequence. Knowing the phase explains why one road can be clear while another is still waiting.
- 1Before and early in snow
Treat priority locations
Crews salt and brine important routes and known trouble spots as conditions require.
- 2During accumulation
Keep the main network moving
Plows work major roads, bus and emergency routes, bridges, viaducts, schools, and key walking and cycling routes.
- 3After the main routes
Continue priority cleanup
Crews revisit the priority network. Most residential side streets and lanes remain outside routine City clearing.
Before leaving the car
Vancouver parking rules that matter
- Follow every posted restriction and temporary City notice during winter weather.
- Move vehicles from priority routes when the City asks so crews can clear curb to curb.
- Do not assume a residential side street will receive routine City plowing.
- Keep the sidewalk in front of the property clear to its full width by 10 a.m. each day.
Resident checklist
What to do during the storm
- 1
Check the priority map before waiting for a plow on a residential street.
- 2
Move the vehicle if it blocks a priority route or posted clearing area.
- 3
Clear the full width of the adjoining sidewalk by 10 a.m.
- 4
Use salt sparingly and keep shoveled snow out of streets and bike routes.
- 5
Use Van311 only for an eligible issue on City property and include the exact location.
Service boundaries
Who clears what in Vancouver
The city plow department is not responsible for every road, sidewalk, driveway, alley, or parking area.
City of Vancouver
Treats and clears its priority road network, bridges, selected walking routes, and key cycling routes.
Property owners and occupants
Clear the full width of the sidewalk adjoining the property by 10 a.m. each day.
Other road and property owners
Private roads, driveways, parking areas, and non-city property remain with their owner or operator.
If the street looks missed
Confirm that the location is on the City network
Vancouver works its priority routes before lower-priority locations. Most residential side streets are not part of routine snow clearing.
- 1Find the street or route on Vancouver's priority snow map.
- 2Confirm that the problem is on City property rather than private or provincial property.
- 3Use the matching Van311 service and include the exact address or intersection.
Local questions answered
Vancouver snow plow FAQ
Short answers for the questions residents usually have during an active storm.
Will Vancouver plow my residential side street?
Usually not as part of the normal response. Vancouver focuses its equipment on a defined priority network and says most residential side streets are not included.
Who clears the sidewalk in front of my home or business?
The owner or occupant must clear the full width of the adjoining sidewalk by 10 a.m. each day after snow or ice.
Does Vancouver normally plow lanes?
Most lanes are not included in regular snow clearing, although the City may work in lanes when needed for essential collection or access.
Verify the answer
Official Vancouver sources
Storm conditions and emergency rules change. These are the public-agency pages used for this guide.
More official guides