Dan Fumano: Climate change could force snow-clearing rethink

Heavy snow has led to cancelled plans, rescheduled appointments, and dampened Christmas-week sales for many businesses.

Metro Vancouver municipalities clear snow on main streets and emergency routes first, but the City of Vancouver’s current approach leaves most residential side streets alone.

Cars are still out and about, but the snowy side streets are keeping many people at home. The city had already recommended against driving without proper winter tires, and on Thursday, facing more snow and possible freezing rain, issued a special warning advising people to stay off the roads altogether.

City crews have been working 24 hours a day this week clearing snow and salting roads, but their plans leave most residential side streets uncleared, except for some steep hills and access to facilities like hospitals.

Snowy side streets have left many residents feeling effectively stuck at home, and some are wondering why. One answer is money.