As a new resident of the City of Fernie I was disheartened to find my driveway blocked by snow pushed off the road by city plows. Yes, it was the largest November storm in decades however it took me a few hours to clear the windrow. A quick search led me to the Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing Program, designed to assist older adults and individuals with disabilities by removing snow windrows left at the end of driveways after street plowing.

The program operates from November 1st to April 15th, providing secondary plow services to clear these obstructions within 48 hours following significant snowfall events that necessitate full plow operations. It’s important to note that during lighter snowfalls, when only plow trucks are dispatched, windrow clearing services are not performed.

To qualify, applicants must be 65 years or older or have a disability verified by a regulated health professional. Additional criteria include residing at the property as the principal residence during the winter season, having no able-bodied individuals living at the same address, and ensuring the driveway fronts a city-maintained road.

Applications are accepted from October 15th to December 15th each year. Residents can submit their applications by mail to City Hall or in person at 501 – 3rd Avenue, Fernie, BC, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. All participants must renew their applications annually, though those with permanent disabilities who previously participated are not required to re-submit supporting documents.

For more information or assistance with the application process, residents are encouraged to contact City Hall at 250-423-6817. This program underscores the City of Fernie’s commitment to supporting its residents during the challenging winter months, ensuring safer and more accessible driveways for those in need. See the details here.

It would be nice of this policy applied to all residents.