Ready to roll when winter hits 

From dump trucks to road plows, from field tractors to sidewalk plows. The City is geared up to keep roads safe and clear this winter. 

As the first flakes threaten the valley, preparation is already well underway. Fleet changeover and testing began at the end of September and continued through mid-October. By then, every truck is equipped, tested, and ready to roll. 

“We don’t wait for the snow to arrive before getting ready,” said Andrew Schwerdtfeger, the City’s roadways operations manager. “By mid-October, our entire fleet is tested and standing by.” 

Salt, liquid calcium, and sand trucks have been busy restocking the City’s Yards facility. Kelowna owns and operates its own gravel pit, which not only supports capital projects but also supplies all the winter sand spread across local roads. 

“Our gravel pit is a huge asset,” Schwerdtfeger said. “It gives us control over quality and ensures we’re never short on sand when the roads need it most.”  

New equipment arrivals  
This season, the City welcomes four new tandem trucks and two new one-tons. These fresh additions add to the fleet of 28 trucks. 

Starting mid-October, staff and contractors undergo an internal training program. Classroom sessions prepare operators for the challenges of winter driving and plowing. 

“Training is critical,” Schwerdtfeger emphasizes. “Every operator needs to know the equipment inside and out before the first storm.” 

Fleet versatility  
One of the City’s strengths is maximizing the value of its equipment. A dump truck worth nearly $600,000 quickly transforms into a plow truck, allowing year-round use. While the City works hard to use its fleet strategically, keeping roads safe also depends on residents joining the effort. 

“We do our part on the roads,” Schwerdtfeger said. “But residents need to do theirs, moving your car off the street during a snowfall really helps and makes snow clearing faster, easier and more effective.” 

Roughly a metre of snow falls in Kelowna each year, typically between mid-November and late February. The City considers snowfall less than 10 centimetres to be a minor snow event and snowfall more than 10 centimetres to be a major snow event. When determining how roads are cleared, the City uses a priority system from P1 to P4, with sidewalks, multiuse corridors, and transit routes included.  

Priority One: Major arterials like Gordon, Springfield, and Lakeshore — cleared within 8 hours. 

Priority Two: Collector roads with hills, curves, schools, and transit routes — cleared within 12 hours. 

Priority Three: Local residential roads — cleared within 48 hours. 

Priority Four: Laneways providing secondary access — cleared during regular working hours. 

“During and after a snowfall, we have between 50 and 75 people out working to clear roadways. They're out 24/7, for as long as they need to be to keep our roadways clear,” Schwerdtfeger said. 

City at Work series  
For more behind-the-scenes action, check out the City at Work video series. 

Winter is coming  
Forecasts are calling for snow. Do you have your winter tires on? Is your snow blower or shovel ready? Consider becoming a Snow Angel to help neighbors in need. 

“Winter is a team effort,” Schwerdtfeger said. “Our crews, our equipment, and our residents all play a role in keeping Kelowna safe.”