The City of Abbotsford has released a bulletin with key information for the winter conditions. Highway and park closures, extreme-weather shelters, warming centres, curbside collections and weather updates are all included.
Highway 1 between Lickman Road and Sumas Road was closed earlier this morning by the Ministry of Transportation due to the slippery road conditions. Westbound lanes were re-opened around 1 p.m.
Since the highway has been closed, a warming centre for drivers who need a place to wait out the conditions has been opened at the Abbotsford Recreation Centre on 2499 McMillan Road.
BC Housing provides funding for temporary housing for vulnerable residents in extreme-weather conditions. The shelters have on-site health workers, meals and outreach staff.
Three extreme-weather shelters have been opened in Abbotsford: the Look Out Society on 1670 Riverside Road, Gateway Church on 2884 Highway 11 and The Warm Zone (women only) on 33264 Old Yale Road.
Four parks have been closed in Abbotsford: Matsqui Trail, Glenn Valley Parks, Douglas Taylor Park and the Delair Park’s playground.
The city is warning drivers to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
“Staff have been out all night with plows and sanders working on arterial and collector roads. Snow has been coming down so fast and heavy that they have been unable to move from main roads,” the press release reads.
“More snow is expected this afternoon and overnight.”
