Fort St. John council considers snow clearing policy adjustments after $484K budget overspend

 FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The City of Fort St. John council is considering adjusting its snow-clearing policy after a challenging winter. 

According to a presentation at the February 9th committee of the whole meeting, the city spent $484,000 more than its 2025 snow budget due to the significant snowfall experienced in December. 

Gary Mier, the city’s roads manager, explained crews worked near constantly throughout the winter to keep on top of the snow.

When asked about residential clearing, Mier noted the city tries to ensure windrows do not remain in the streets for more than 72 hours. The amount of snow also raised problems with the city’s equipment, with plans now being made to fund a larger snow blower. 

“We discovered some of these windrows were [so wide,] I [could] lay across them, they’re really wide and really tall, and so [we had to start] taking multiple passes with the snow blower,” Mier said.

Following the presentation, the city’s deputy chief administrative officer Darrell Blades told the meeting snow clearing was expensive because it is mindful of resident driveways.

“We are one of the only communities that does not bury driveways intentionally,” Blades said.

“Lots of communities like Prince George will push their snow on the residential streets into the driveways and stuff, rural areas push their driveways. Some will come back behind with skid steers or backhoes or loaders and try to open it up.

“Our methodology is very expensive and time consuming,” Blades said. 

Blades said staff would gather input from the public and the snow clearing crews to make adjustments to the city’s snow policy “by early spring,” with public engagement tentatively planned for “early fall” 2026.