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Transit resumes some routes, some schools closed as snow settles on Greater Victoria

BC Transit service options limited, almost 18,000 without power on south Island, Gulf Islands
Black Press Media Staff
Black Press Media Staff
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Royal Oak Drive looking east at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28. (DriveBC traffic camera)

February is refusing to go without a final reminder it’s still a winter month.

An overnight snowfall blanketed much of Greater Victoria, making roads slippery Tuesday morning (Feb. 28). Those conditions caused BC Transit to suspend service for the region shortly after 5:45 a.m.

Some limited services returned around 7:30 a.m.

In a 6:30 a.m. update, BC Transit said, “our team is working hard to return service to ensure we can get you to your destination safely. We apologize for the inconvenience and encourage you to stay up to date by signing up for customer alerts at BCTransit.com and calling 250-382-6161.”

Victoria International Airport in North Saanich is also experiencing delays and cancellations due to the poor weather conditions. Anyone flying out of YYJ should check with their airline for latest flight information before leaving home and leave extra time to get to the airport.

Saanich police were dealing with multiple collisions related to the poor road conditions around 7:30 a.m., while their counterparts in Central Saanich said the roads in that community are very slippery, with some unsafe to drive on.

“Please stay off the roads unless necessary while our public works crews clear them and allow our emergency crews the ability to access all areas,” Central Saanich police said.

Schools in the Saanich School District (SD63) are closed due to unsafe conditions on the Peninsula.

Schools in the Sooke School District (SD62) will be closed until noon with no bus service today.

Camosun College and the University of Victoria have both delayed opening until noon with all morning classes and services cancelled.

Schools in the Greater Victoria School District (SD61) are open today and regular school buses are running.

BC Hydro reported almost 18,000 customers on the south Island and Gulf Islands without power as of 6:15 a.m.

“High wind gusts and snow have caused a number of power outages on the Gulf Islands. Crews continue to work at restoring as many outages as possible. Unfortunately, customers on Mayne and Salt Spring Island will remain without power overnight. Crews will be working on repairs through the night and will continue to work through the day to restore power to affected customers. Updates for individual outages and estimated restoration times will be posted as they’re available. Thanks for your patience,” BC Hydro wrote in a regional outage alert posted on its website at 10:30 p.m. Monday.

A snowfall warning of 10 to 15 cm was issued by Environment Canada for the Malahat section of the Trans-Canada Highway. Snow is expected to fall until approximately noon, shifting to a mix of sun and cloud in the afternoon.

Heavy snowfall has resulted in a travel warning north of the Malahat. DriveBC has issued a travel advisory for the Trans-Canada Highway between Cobble Hill and Cowichan Bay roads (three kilometres south of Duncan to Mill Bay). Winter driving conditions are causing limited visibility due to heavy snowfall.

 

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Black Press Media Staff

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