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Cranbrook, BC (May 11, 2021) – Changes are on the horizon around snow clearing in the City of Cranbrook specifically around clearing of snow and ice on sidewalks during the winter months, starting this coming season.

The proposed Streets, Traffic and Parking bylaw was given three readings by Council at their regular meeting on Monday night. The new bylaw recommends that all residents must remove ice and snow from sidewalks bordering their properties within 24 hours of a snow event. Under the current bylaw, only property owners within a C-1 (Community Commercial) zone are required to remove ice and snow from their sidewalks.

“We know that the majority of our residents and business owners faithfully clear their sidewalks of snow and ice after snowfalls. We notice and appreciate that very much,” says Derrick Anderson, Director of Public Works. “What this proposed change will do is encourage those who don’t clear their sidewalks to start doing so in order to allow for the mobility of everyone on our sidewalks during the winter.”

Not only will the timely clearing of sidewalks help improve the mobility of the public, but it will also ensure minimal disruption to the City’s new curbside recycling service, allow for better access to your home by mail carriers and parcel delivery operators, as well as providing clear access to your homes by our first responders in case of an emergency.

The City of Cranbrook also continues to work in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association Kootenays annually to help find volunteers to be part of their Snow Angels program.  The program helps identify those who need assistance with snow clearing with volunteers who can do the work for them.

The proposed bylaw is designed to regulate traffic, parking and the use of streets and highways in the municipality. This proposed bylaw will repeal and combine the former Streets and Traffic bylaw and the Parking Meter bylaw which were created in 1991. This proposed update is needed to implement important updates and changes.

Other proposed changes include panhandling, complimentary parking meter permits, road occupancy and special events permits, load restrictions and regulations for pedestrians, motorized scooters, cyclists, skateboarders and the use of multi-use paths, trails, and walkways.

The proposed bylaw is expected to come back to Council for adoption on May 31, 2021.