Thursday, January 30, 2025 – With colder temperatures and potential snowfall forecast, the District of Sooke encourages residents to take precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others. As winter conditions intensify, the District is offering a range of tips and resources to help the community stay safe and warm during this period.
Stay Warm and Safe
As temperatures drop, residents are reminded of the importance of staying warm both indoors and outdoors. Here are some key recommendations:
- Dress in Layers: Layering your clothing is one of the best ways to retain body heat. Don’t forget to wear a hat, gloves, and a scarf to protect yourself from the cold.
- Keep Your Home Warm: Ensure your heating system is functioning properly. Space heaters can be used safely as a supplement, but be sure to follow all safety guidelines to prevent fires.
- Check on Vulnerable Neighbours: Take a moment to check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours to ensure they have adequate heat, food, and essential supplies.
Travel Safety Reminders
Driving in winter conditions can be hazardous, particularly for those who are not accustomed to it. The District of Sooke offers the following reminders for safe travel during colder temperatures:
- Winter Tires: Ensure your vehicle is equipped with proper winter tires. These tires provide better traction on snow and ice, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Avoid Unnecessary Travel: If you’re not comfortable driving in winter conditions, consider staying home. Use public transit or carpooling as alternatives to driving.
- Drive with Caution: If you must drive, reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and be cautious on bridges and overpasses, which may freeze first. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including blankets, food, water, and a flashlight.
Use Public Transit or Stay Home
For those who are unsure about driving in winter conditions, the District recommends taking advantage of public transit options or simply staying home should your schedule allow.
“Our priority is the safety of our residents,” said Ryland Bennett, District of Sooke Emergency Program Manager. “We encourage everyone to take the necessary precautions, whether that means staying warm at home, using public transit, or ensuring their vehicles are winter-ready.”
Snow Clearing Priorities
Should snowfall occur, we are reminding residents that contractors prioritize routes as follows:
- Bus routes
- School zones
- Critical intersections
In Sooke, Victoria Contracting is responsible for snow clearing. They aim to service all municipal roads within 48 hours. However, staffing levels and equipment availability may impact timelines. During initial clearing, local roads may only be plowed to accommodate single-lane traffic. They will be revisited if needed once priority routes are maintained.
In the event of snowfall, you can best help your community by:
- Avoid driving if your vehicle is not winter-ready.
- Clearing your property’s sidewalks of snow and ice, and not shoveling snow from your driveway onto the road.
- Keeping catch basins clear as the snow melts.
- Checking on neighbours, especially those who are elderly or have limited mobility.
For specific road concerns, such as black ice on steep hills or sharp curves, contact the District of Sooke by calling 250.642.1634.
Residents and business owners are reminded to clear snow and ice from sidewalks bordering their property to ensure safe passage for pedestrians. Your efforts contribute to a safer community during extreme weather.
Prepare for Power Outages
Winter storms and cold snaps can sometimes lead to power outages. The District recommends preparing for such events by:
- Gathering Supplies: Keep extra blankets, non-perishable food and water on hand.
- Alternative Heat Sources: If you have a wood stove or fireplace, ensure you have dry firewood available. Never use outdoor appliances like BBQs or propane heaters indoors.
- Stay Informed: Monitor the District’s website for updates and alerts. Residents can also sign up for emergency notifications through Alertable at ca/alert.
Warming Areas
The Sooke branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library and the SEAPARC Recreation Centre are available to those seeking a break from the cold:
- Sooke Branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library: Located at 6671 Wadams Way, the library provides a warm and safe space for residents during its regular operating hours. Visitors can take advantage of the comfortable environment to stay warm, read, or use the public Wi-Fi.
- SEAPARC Leisure Complex: Located at 2168 Phillips Road, SEAPARC offers another option for residents needing a place to stay warm. The facility is open during regular hours, providing an accessible location for those seeking relief from the cold.
“As temperatures drop and snow approaches, we want to ensure that every resident has a warm place to go,” said District of Sooke Emergency program Manager Ryland Bennett. “The Sooke Library and SEAPARC are both ready to welcome anyone in need of a safe, warm environment during this period of cold weather.”
The expanded operation of overnight sheltering may be available through the Sooke Shelter Society.
For real-time weather updates, visit Environment Canada’s Website.