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Severe Weather Closure Procedure

Snow and Ice Control

Each winter, VIU'S Facilities Services is responsible for clearing all walkways, stairs, roadways, and parking lots of snow and ice.

As most snowfalls in Nanaimo occur at night and in the early morning, snow clearing teams may be required as early as 1:00 am in order to ensure the campus is cleared of snow and safe to open by 7:00 am. Crews may also be
called in early to control heavy frosts or ice.

Severe Weather Closure

If it is necessary to close the Nanaimo campus due to weather conditions, announcements will be carried on the following media stations:

Radio
    • WAVE 102.3 FM – Nanaimo
    • WOLF 106.9 FM – Nanaimo
    • CHLY 101.7 FM – Nanaimo
    • BEACH 88.5 FM – Parksville
    • SUN 89.7 FM – Duncan
    • The Peak 93.3 FM – Port Alberni
    • CBC 90.5 FM – Victoria
    • CBC 690 AM/88.1 FM – Vancouver
    • SUN 95.7 FM – Powell River
    • Coast 91.7 CKAY FM – Sechelt
Television
    • A-Channel – Nanaimo Cable 12
    • CHEK-News – Nanaimo Cable 6

If the closure occurs overnight

    • Messages will be carried on the above radio stations starting at 6:00 am.
    • The main Switchboard, (250) 753-3245, will announce the closure starting at 6:00 am.
    • A message will be posted on VIU's website at viu.ca.

If the closure occurs during the day or evening:

    • Faculty and staff will be notified via email.
    • Area secretaries will notify instructors affected by the closure.
    • Instructors will notify students of impending closure.
    • The main Switchboard and the above radio stations will carry closure messages.
    • Notices will be posted on main buildings during a closure.
    • A message will be posted on VIU's website at viu.ca

Common Questions

Q. Why is the ground not always bare after plowing and shoveling?

A. Our snowplows use metal 'shoes' to keep the metal blade just off the pavement. This ensures safety for the operators and reduces equipment damage when the plows go over manholes and other unforeseen obstacles. When foot and vehicular traffic have packed the snow to ice, plowing and shoveling cannot remove it. Powdered snow does not fully plow off and tends to form a thin icy layer.

Q. Is salt/sand used on campus?

A. We use very little direct salt and more of a sand/ salt mix. Salt cannot be used on concrete, so we use other de-icing products, as well as sand. Temperature also affects when to use these products; for example, salt is most effective at -6 degrees and warmer.

Q. Why is the campus closed sometimes, even though all lots and stairs are cleared?

A. Road and weather conditions in the city are monitored, and the decision to close is based on input from the RCMP, the City, the School District and weather reports. Road safety to and from the campus is also considered in this decision process.

Points to Remember

    • Drive defensively.
    • Exercise caution when walking on sidewalks, stairways, and in parking lots. Please wear appropriate footwear.
    • Please yield to snowplows and sand trucks – remember a snowplow must keep moving in order to retain control.
    • There are fewer parking spaces during snowy weather.
    • Before attempting to leave home or the campus, please verify that road conditions are safe.

Snow Clearing Procedure

    • Snowplow operators clear roads and fire lanes, in preparation for the rest of the crew who shovel walks and stairs.
    • Parking lots are cleared on a priority basis of highest use and campus' access routes.
    • If you arrive on campus before your regular parking area is cleared, please use cleared lots first.
    • Vehicles left on campus should be parked in a safe area.

For Further Information

Please report any concerns or questions to Facilities Services and Campus Development, (250)740-6500.

We hope the information in this brochure has been helpful.
We wish a safe winter season to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to Vancouver Island University.