Snow clearing and winter reports in Burnaby, BC

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Burnaby owners must clear sidewalk snow and ice by 10 am the day after a snowfall. City teams handle winter response, but owners still have sidewalk duties.

A snowplow pictured by Burnaby in its snow-clearing guidance
A snowplow pictured by Burnaby in its snow-clearing guidance. Photo date not supplied. Photo: City of Burnaby, Source website.

Key information

Burnaby owners must clear sidewalk snow and ice by 10 am the day after a snowfall. City teams handle winter response, but owners still have sidewalk duties.

On this page

Clear sidewalks on time

The stated deadline is 10 am on the day following snowfall. Keep the route free of snow and ice so people, including those with mobility aids, can pass. The City’s reporting form asks for the location of uncleared sidewalks.

If a neighbour needs help, the Snow Angel initiative encourages volunteers to adopt that neighbour’s sidewalk. It is community help, not a promise that City staff will shovel every private frontage.

Sources: City of Burnaby: Snow clearing and winter reports

Report to the right team

An uncleared sidewalk goes to the online form or 604-294-7944. Urgent hazardous conditions, downed trees, potholes and local flooding use 604-294-7200.

For hazards in parks, trails, City-facility parking areas or bordering sidewalks, the page lists 604-294-7206 Monday to Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm. Missed collection or damaged bins use 604-294-7972.

Sources: City of Burnaby: Snow clearing and winter reports

Stay off lake and pond ice

The City does not open any Burnaby lake or pond for outdoor skating. Streams feeding the lakes create moving water and unstable ice. Cold weather or a frozen-looking surface does not establish safety.

Warning signs are posted at popular sites such as Deer Lake and Burnaby Lake. Use an operating ice rink rather than a natural lake surface.

Sources: City of Burnaby: Snow clearing and winter reports

Plan for changing conditions

Engineering and Parks are prepared for a 24-hour response to snow, ice and extreme weather. This page does not set a guaranteed clearing time for each street.

The City links Environment Canada warnings, TransLink advisories, BC Hydro outages and ICBC winter driving resources. Use the relevant live operator alert before travelling. General Engineering questions use 604-294-7460.

Sources: City of Burnaby: Snow clearing and winter reports

Quick reference

Snow clearing and winter reports in Burnaby. Verified October 14, 2026.
TopicWhat to know
Owner deadline10 am the day after snowfall
Uncleared sidewalk604-294-7944 or online form
Urgent City hazard604-294-7200
Park/facility hazard604-294-7206, weekday 7 am to 3:30 pm
Collection problem604-294-7972
Lake skatingNo Burnaby lakes or ponds are open for skating

Sources: City of Burnaby: Snow clearing and winter reports

What to do next

Snow clearing and winter reports: next steps
  1. Clear

    Meet the next-day 10 am sidewalk deadline.

  2. Check travel

    Read current weather and transit alerts.

  3. Report

    Use the team responsible for the affected location.

Sources: City of Burnaby: Snow clearing and winter reports

10 useful questions

What is the sidewalk clearing deadline?

10 am on the day after the snowfall.

Source: City of Burnaby: Snow clearing and winter reports

Do businesses have winter sidewalk duties?

Yes. The City addresses both residents and businesses in its winter responsibilities.

Source: City of Burnaby: Snow clearing and winter reports

How do I report an uncleared sidewalk?

Use the City form or call 604-294-7944.

Source: City of Burnaby: Snow clearing and winter reports

Who handles a downed tree or urgent flood hazard?

The City lists 604-294-7200 for these hazardous conditions.

Source: City of Burnaby: Snow clearing and winter reports

Which number handles a park hazard during office hours?

604-294-7206, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm.

Source: City of Burnaby: Snow clearing and winter reports

Who handles missed garbage after snow?

Call collection support at 604-294-7972.

Source: City of Burnaby: Snow clearing and winter reports

Can I skate on Deer Lake if it looks frozen?

No. Burnaby does not open its lakes or ponds for skating.

Source: City of Burnaby: Snow clearing and winter reports

Why is lake ice unreliable?

Streams create moving water and unstable ice conditions.

Source: City of Burnaby: Snow clearing and winter reports

What is a Snow Angel?

A neighbour who volunteers to help clear another person’s sidewalk.

Source: City of Burnaby: Snow clearing and winter reports

Does the page promise a clearing time for my street?

No. It describes round-the-clock response preparation without a guaranteed street-by-street time.

Source: City of Burnaby: Snow clearing and winter reports

Official information and forms

This guide covers the municipal service in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. Fees and active service notices can change. Use the linked official page for the application or latest notice.