Snow and Ice

During a snowstorm, Township of Langley crews work around the clock to ensure our roads are safe. More than 500 kilometres of roadway are maintained during snow and ice events. The Township’s Snow and Ice Control policy categorizes roadways as First, Second, or Third Priority Routes.

Similarly, Township crews maintain over 65 kilometres of hard-surface trails, sidewalks and pathways on park property and 37 park parking lots when conditions warrant. The Township’s Snow and Ice Control – Parks and Trails policy categorizes these locations as First, Second, or Third Priority Routes.

Read this important information on curbside collection in winter conditions and this important information on the sidewalk snow removal requirements and bylaw.

Priority routes – roads

First priority routes

Major collector roads, arterial roads, school zones, bus routes and hilly areas.
401 kilometres of roadway
Ongoing service, as long as poor conditions exist

Second priority routes

Industrial roads, commercial roads and secondary through roads in residential areas located between arterial or major collector roads.
196 kilometres of roadway.
Service during regular business hours, with minimal overtime authorized.
Note: If conditions deteriorate on any higher priority route, resources are redirected back to first priority routes.

Third priority routes

"Condition-based" service on all remaining residential roads. When snow accumulation exceeds 250 millimetres (10 inches) in the centre of the travel portion of the road, as measured by a Township roads superintendent, a plow may make a single pass.
Service during regular business hours.
Sanding and salting at intersections when conditions warrant.
Note: If conditions deteriorate on any higher priority route, resources will be redirected back to first or second priority routes.

Priority routes – pathways and trails on park property

First priority routes

Includes high pedestrian traffic, hard-surface trails, sidewalks and pathways on park property that are main thoroughfares to a school or bus stop.
Hilly areas or known icy conditions.
Maintenance such as salting, sanding, or snow clearing is performed during regular work hours, unless conditions warrant before or after regular work hours.

Second priority routes

High pedestrian traffic, hard-surface trails, sidewalks and pathways on park property that are not main thoroughfares to a school or bus stop.
Maintenance is performed during regular hours only.

Third priority routes

All remaining hard-surface trails and park pathways on park property.
Third priority locations are maintained only after first and second priority pathways have been completed.
Third priority work is only performed during regular working hours, and only if conditions warrant and resources are available.

Priority routes – parking lots on park property

First priority routes

Park parking lots utilized by businesses, organizations, special events and schools.
Salting and snow clearing is performed during regular work hours, unless conditions warrant before or after regular work hours and, in the case of schools, during instructional days only.

Second priority routes

Remaining paved parking lots on park property.
Maintenance is performed during regular hours only.

Third priority routes

All gravel-based parking lots on park property.
Third priority locations only have sand applied, and are maintained only after first and second priority locations have been completed.
Third priority work is only performed during normal working hours, and only if conditions warrant and resources are available.

Still have questions?

Watch a video about the the Township's Snow and Ice Control Policy.

Watch a video about the road treatment used during snow and ice events.

Stay informed during severe events

When a winter storm results in continuous severe conditions for more than two days, obtain updates on regular scheduled response levels by calling:

Storm Response Information Hotline at 604-514-HELP (4357), or the
Engineering Division at 604-532-7300 or 604-533-6006

Or visit:

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Township plow my street?

The Township of Langley plows, sands and salts roads according to set priority routes. Drivers must keep to a set schedule and are unable to plow “on their way” to the yard.

Why did the snow plow drive down my street with its plow up?

The driver was returning to the Works Yard to refuel and /or pick up more salt supplies.

How do I get my street designated as a Priority One route?

Only major collector roads and specific arterial roads are eligible for Priority One route designation. Some school zones, bus routes and hilly areas may also receive Priority One route consideration.

Where can I see a map of the winter road maintenance routes?

View the winter maintenance route map.

Where does all the plowed snow go?

Snow is piled along road shoulders.

Who is responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks and walkways?

Clearing snow from your sidewalk is not only the neighbourly thing to do, it’s also the law. Residential property owners are required to clear snow from sidewalks fronting their property within 24 hours of a snowfall.

All properties in the Township of Langley zoned as industrial, commercial and institutional are required to remove snow and ice daily from sidewalks and walkways fronting or adjacent to the property by 10:00am.

Why did the snow plow push snow on my shoveled driveway/sidewalk?

Snow plow operators try to minimize this inconvenience as much as possible. To help prevent this from occurring, pile the snow onto your yard, or on the right side of your driveway when you are shoveling (your right, when you are facing the road.)

What kind of snow and ice equipment does the Township have?

The Township has over 50 vehicles and pieces of equipment which are utilized for snow and ice control. This includes 13 tandem axle trucks, 20 two-ton trucks, and two small trucks for trails all of which can be outfitted with plows and either salt/sand spreaders or brine tanks. Additionally, backhoes, graders, tractors, and small snow blowing equipment is also utilized.

My neighbour hasn’t cleared his or her sidewalk. What should I do?

Consider being a good neighbour and clearing their sidewalks while you do your own - especially if you live near an elderly person or someone with limited mobility. By law, homeowners have 24 hours of the first snowfall accumulation to clear snow from adjacent sidewalks. Residents can report issues with bylaw non-compliance to Township of Langley Bylaw Enforcement at 604-532-7551 or bylaw@tol.ca. Please note complaints will receive response as resources allow.

What should I do if there’s a medical or safety emergency situation at my property, but my street hasn’t been plowed?

Call 911. Emergency response agencies will notify the Township if the street requires service.

The sidewalk is very slippery by my house, what should I do?

Consider having a large quantity of salt on hand to apply to the sidewalk fronting your property.

Why are crews putting water on the road?

The crews are applying salt brine. Salt brine is a cost-effective, anti-icing measure which prevents snow and ice from bonding to the road. The brine allows for faster and easier snow-plowing.

What happens before, during and after a storm?

Before a storm: When a snow or ice storm is in the forecast, crews apply an anti-icing liquid (salt brine) to First Priority routes. Salt brine reduces the impact of snow or ice bonding to the pavement.
During a storm: Crews and equipment maintain roadways according to the Township’s priority route system.
After a storm: Snow and ice clearing will continue according to the priority route system. Lane widening, bus stop anti-icing and catch basin clearing may also take place after the storm. Residents can help reduce flooding risks by clearing nearby catch basins of snow and ice. This will allow melting snow and slush to drain properly. Remember, as long as cold temperatures persist, expect winter driving conditions to continue.

It's my collection week, but crews haven't picked up my garbage, recycling and/or Green Cart. Now what?

For updates on garbage cart and recycling collection delays in your area, call our contractor Sierra Waste at 604-530-3939 or visit their blog, which is updated as needed. Learn more about municipal cart collection.

Do trails, pathways and parking lots receive snow removal?

When conditions warrant, crews maintain select parking lots and hard-surface trails, sidewalks and pathways on municipal park property. The Snow and Ice Control – Parks and Trails policy categorizes these locations as First, Second, or Third Priority Routes.

How can I stay up-to-date on snow and ice control efforts?

When a winter storm results in continuous severe conditions for more than two days, obtain updates on regular scheduled response levels by calling:

Storm Response Information Hotline at 604-514-HELP (4357), or the
Engineering Division at 604-532-7300 or 604-533-6006

Or visiting our Facebook or Twitter feed.

Snow safety tips

To help with road clearing, move vehicles parked in front of your driveway.
Wait to drive until weather conditions improve. Not only is it safer, but clearing priority routes is more effective when there are fewer vehicles on the road.

Do not attempt to stop municipal vehicles that are sanding, salting, or plowing. For all service requests or inquiries, call 604-532-7300.
Pushing shoveled snow onto the road can compromise pedestrian and motorist safety. Instead, pile the snow on the right side of your driveway or onto your yard.
A snow day can be fun, but caution children against building snow structures in roadside snow banks or playing sports on roads. Moving vehicles can compromise safety as stopping distance increases in poor conditions.