Planning for Winter Communities

The third BEAT Summit was held in Terrace BC on October 29th. The theme “Planning for Winter Communities” included discussion around creating communities that are hospitable in winter and strategies for keeping people ‘winter’ active. Topics discussed at this Summit were: planning and design for cold climates, snow removal policies and how they relate to pedestrians and winter celebrations as a tool for community building and economic development.

Download the Summit presentation slides which compliment the lectures captured on video.

Planning and Designing for the Winter City - Patrick Coleman, Winter Cities Institute

Cities in northern places have unique climate characteristics dominated by the winter season. The presentation will provide community planning and design ideas for responding to winter in the areas of site and building design, transportation, pedestrian circulation, snow management, and aesthetics. Opportunities to use snow and ice for community celebrations and special events will also be covered.

Winter Celebrations in Fort St. John - Larry Evans, Councillor, City of Fort St. John

Fort St. John has put itself on the ‘winter’ map through its Winter Lights and High on Ice celebrations. The events generate not only a huge local following, but are a major draw for tourists.

Winter City Guidelines and Snow Policies - Robert McGuire, Engineering Technologist, City of Fort St. John

Fort St. John’s unique “Winter City Guidelines” provide a blueprint for climate-sensitive design and planning, a necessity for creating a livable winter city.

A Customer Service Approach to Snow Management - Ed Shearer, Streets Supervisor, City of Prince George

During the 1990’s Prince George made big changes to its snow management strategy through improvements in fleet vehicles, clearing residential driveways, enhanced staff training and enforcement of winter restriction parking restrictions bylaws.