Vancouver has been hit with its first blast of snow, and many residents are outside breaking a sweat shovelling their sidewalks.
But that can be a tough task for older adults and those with mobility problems.
Luckily, the City of Vancouver has a free snow shovelling program to help those who have trouble clearing their front walkways.
The Snow Angel service helps match residents with volunteers who will assist them with shovelling, free of charge.
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“Snow Angels assist those who are unable to obtain assistance from professional snow removal companies, members of household, friends, or neighbours,” states the city on its website.
If you need a hand with snow removal, the city suggests first asking your family or friends for assistance. If no one is available, you can call the city at 3-1-1 when it’s snowing and “sticking at least 1 cm on the sidewalk,” and they’ll try to partner you with a Snow Angel in your area.
Those requesting the service should note that Snow Angels are only responsible for clearing the public portion of your sidewalk, and the city can’t request them to clear your private property pathway.
If you’re interested in volunteering as a Snow Angel, you can sign up on the City of Vancouver’s website. Volunteer candidates should bring their own snow shovel and warm clothing, and they should be physically fit, as shovelling is a strenuous task.
Many other Metro Vancouver municipalities have Snow Angel programs, so be sure to check their websites for more information about how to request one or become a volunteer.
With more snow flurries on the way, you might want to get on top of clearing your sidewalks as soon as possible because failing to do so could land you with a hefty fine.