With barely any snowfall to speak of in Williams Lake until this week, many residents were surprised to get letters in the mail threatening fines for insufficient snow clearing of sidewalks.
Derick Walters, senior bylaw enforcement officer for the city of Williams Lake, said the letters were sent out proactively by staff after a skiff of snow in order to get ahead of things, similar to what was done in 2021. The letters stated failure to clear sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowfall, fines of $100 would be issued.
“There were certain sidewalks that were getting neglected for entire winters,” said Walters.
He said if the sidewalks remain uncleared for long periods, it becomes even more difficult to then fully clear them.
Therefore, Walters and his staff were directed by Evan Dean, the director of protective services, to go out and note any sidewalk where the first snowfall was not cleared and send those property owners and residents warning letters.
“So when we do have a significant snowfall like we have over the last few days, the sidewalks get maintained very quickly and very well.”
“It’s actually been very successful, I’m quite happy with the work of the officers in the department.”
For the past two years, staff has submitted a proposal for the city to purchase a second sidewalk-clearing machine and proposed the city maintain all of the sidewalks. However both the previous city council and current city council have each time voted down the proposal due to budgetary concerns.
“So that’s why we had to go back to this format.”
Last year, Walters said they were unsuccessful in having some sidewalks cleared, so this year the direction was to be proactive in order to ensure the safety of the sidewalks.
Walters said he understands with many people having to be at work and away during the day, they do give a grace period in order to give people adequate time.
“Our priority is to use education,” he said.
If adequate clearing is not done, he said then public works would come and and the fine would help recoup those costs.
Without adequate staff, they have to pull staff from other roles to deal with the snow, which is where the fine comes into play, he said, calling it a “last-case scenario.”
Over the past two years, Walters said only nine or 10 fines have been issued.
“Warning notices do help,” said Walters, who acknowledged while the city did receive a number of calls in response to the letters, once the city provides more information, people have been very reasonable.
“I think everybody has been doing well on the sidewalks, and I’d like to make sure everybody continues to do their due diligence,” said Walters.
He said anyone with questions or concerns can contact the city of Williams Lake bylaw department.
“We’ll be happy to explain the processes and work with property owners as well.”
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