Another 15 to 25 centimetres of snow is predicted to fall on Greater Victoria.
Environment Canada’s latest weather warning estimates up to 25 cm of snow will fall across the South Coast Monday night and will continue falling Tuesday morning – with total amounts varying across the region.
READ MORE: Up to 25 centimetres of snow expected to fall on Greater Victoria overnight
In anticipation of the evening snowfall, BC Ferries has announced a slew of cancellations.
Ferries from Salt Spring Island to Swartz Bay are currently cancelled as BC Ferries said they are unable to access the Fulford Ferry terminal.
BC Ferries also cancelled the last round trips of the day for many routes.
READ MORE: BC Ferries cancel last round-trips of the day due to expected snowfall
According to BC Transit’s Twitter page, all bus routes may be late in Greater Victoria. The BC Transit website has been experiencing some outages and concerned transit riders are urged to check for updates via Twitter, Facebook or the Transit app.
READ MORE: More BC Transit delays, route closures caused by heavy snowfall
READ MORE: All buses may be late today, according to BC Transit
Several contractors are working throughout the Capital Region to get the roads clear of ice and snow. Last night alone, Mainroad South Island Contracting – which is responsible for provincial roads and highways – used 80,000 litres of brine on the roads in their Langford region, which stretches from Highway 14 (West Coast Road) and Highway 17 (Patricia Bay Highway) down to Uptown shopping centre. The brine alone totalled more than $26,000.
READ MORE: 80,000 litres of brine, 45 plows used to de-ice roads Sunday night
Police are asking motorists to stay off the roads unless necessary.
“Many people aren’t familiar with snow driving, and over estimate their abilities (or their vehicles capabilities) and this could cause unnecessary calls for service,” said Cpl. Chris Manseau of the Sidney/North Saanich RCMP. “With the anticipated snowfall tonight, people need to remember that although right now they may be able to get to their destination, they may not be able to safely get back, and this too will cause more trouble than necessary.”
READ MORE: Police continue to advise Greater Victoria drivers to avoid travel unless necessary
Between 65 and 70 people slept at the Victoria International Airport Sunday night after most flights were cancelled.
Airport authority media representative Rod Hunchak said the airport’s main runway is open and planes are able to land and take off safely. Crews started working to clear the runway last night.
READ MORE: Snow leaves more than 65 people sleeping at Victoria International Airport
Denny Warner, executive director of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, said the aftermath of Sunday’s snowstorm could end up costing the economy on the Saanich Peninsula about $2.5 million based on available figures and estimates.
READ MORE: Economic impact of a snow day could be millions, say business leaders
As of 1 p.m. Monday, BC Hydro crews were still working around the clock on a number of outages affecting approximately 700 residents on southern Vancouver Island.
READ MORE: 17 outages ongoing on southern Vancouver Island
But students seem to be enjoying the conditions as all schools on the south Island were closed for a snow day Monday. However, the novel conditions of snow and ice can be dangerous.
READ MORE: Snow day for students in Greater Victoria; another storm to come
Three teens were spotted enjoying the snowy conditions at Beacon Hill Park when one decided to walk out into the middle of Goodacre Lake.
Although the ice did not crack, experts advise only walking on ice if it is clear blue and you are sure it is at least 15 cm thick. Grey ice is unsafe, and white opaque or snow ice is half the strength of blue ice. A depth of 20 cm is needed for groups of walkers or skaters.
READ MORE: Boy on dangerously thin ice in Beacon Hill Park
Several Greater Victoria municipalities require residents and businesses to keep sidewalks clear.
Victoria and Saanich’s bylaws both state that they must be cleared by 10 a.m., and Victoria residents who fail to comply could be fined $125. Barrie Cockle, Victoria’s manager of bylaw services said that they will respond to complaints, but look to educate rather than fine.
READ MORE: Snowy sidewalk should be cleared by now across Greater Victoria