Saltair Road & Winter Maintenance Update
Submitted by Area G Director, Jesse McClinton
As winter rolls in and the first flakes start teasing our hillsides, I want to bring Saltair residents up to speed on what to expect for road maintenance and snow clearing this season.
Last year’s service left a lot of us frustrated — myself included. That’s why, earlier this fall, I reached out directly to both the Ministry of Transportation and Transportation (MoTT) and Mainroad Mid-Island to push for better service for Saltair. I’m happy to share that both have made adjustments to ensure our community gets the attention it deserves when winter weather hits. While no system is perfect, I’m optimistic these changes will make a noticeable difference.
How Snow Removal Works in Saltair
Because Area G is unincorporated, all roads and ditches are owned and managed by MoTT, with snow removal contracted to Mainroad. Their province-wide priority system works as follows:
- Highways
- Primary Routes (e.g. Old Chemainus Rd.)
- School Bus Routes
- Side Roads (e.g. Greenhill Rd, Victoria Rd)
Once snowfall stops, Mainroad has up to 48 hours to clear side roads — but remember, if it starts snowing again, that 48-hour clock resets. Your reports throughout winter help crews understand where service is needed most.
To Report Road Conditions:
Mainroad 24-Hour Hotline: 1-877-215-6006
All calls are logged and sent directly to crews.
MoTt Vancouver Island District Office: 250-751-3246
For emergencies: always call 911.
Davis Lagoon Bridge Paving — A Win for Saltair
A bit of good news worth celebrating: the paving at the Davis Lagoon Bridge is complete — and Mainroad knocked it out of the park. It took less than 75 days from the time I first raised the issue in August to the final repaving on both approaches, north and south. A big thank-you to the crews for getting this done quickly and doing it well.
New 30 km/h Zone on South Oyster School Road
Safety around our Community Centre and park has long been a concern. New 30 km/h speed zones are now being installed in this high-traffic area to make it safer for children, pedestrians, and everyone accessing programs and events. This is a small change with a significant impact.
Garbage & Recycling Pick-Up During Snow
If the CVRD can’t safely empty your bins due to road conditions, you can put out double the amount the following week. No need to call — crews are tracking missed streets.
Saltair Road Safety Working Group
I’m assembling a local working group to identify Saltair’s most pressing traffic and road safety issues — from speed concerns to intersections that need attention. The goal is simple: a clear list of priorities so we can advocate effectively and improve safety where it’s needed most. If you’d like to get involved, please reach out.
Stay Safe & Look After Each Other
Winter in Saltair has a way of bringing neighbours together. Please drive carefully, give road crews the space they need, and check in on friends and neighbours — especially those who may need a hand in bad weather.
If you see something that needs attention or have concerns, please reach out anytime.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
— Jesse McClinton
CVRD Electoral Area G Director
