The Town of Osoyoos is reminding residents that snow control guidelines are now in effect, requiring residential and commercial property owners to remove snow and ice from sidewalks.
Residential property owners must remove all snow or ice from all sidewalks bordering their property within 24 hours from the end of snowfall or storm event which resulted in the snow accumulation.
Commercial property owners on the other hand must remove all snow or ice from all sidewalks bordering their property no later than 10:00 AM each day.
A fine of $500 will be levied to anyone depositing snow or ice on town property including lanes, streets and highways. These requirements are detailed in the Town of Osoyoos’ Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 1277.
Residents are also asked that when snow is forecast to refrain from parking vehicles on the road until streets have been cleared. “Be patient when roads are being cleared. Use caution when snow removal equipment is on the road,” the town adds.
In order to facilitate snow clearing from town streets, Traffic Bylaw No. 1256, 2009 was amended in Oct. 2016 to allow Operational Services to tow vehicles that block snow removal efforts. “This will allow Operational Services to provide residents with a more effective and efficient snow/ice removal service,” the town says.
Attempts will be made to contact the owner of any parked vehicle inhibiting snow removal before towing.
Removal fees will be levied covering the actual costs of towing, impoundment, plus a 10 per cent administration fee based on costs of towing and storage.
