A report recommends the city change its bylaws to add a fine if you are caught driving without snow tires

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – We live in one of the only places in Canada where we typically don’t need snow tires — but that could change.

Vancouver’s city council is looking at a recommendation to fine drivers who don’t use snow tires in the snow.

Mayor Gregor Robertson says last winter was challenging so they’re also looking at increasing the annual snow clearing budget from $780,000 to over $1.6 million.

“We just have to have bigger contingencies and kind of be prepared for greater extremes, and that’s the reality,” says Robertson.

Councillors plans to look over the 2017 snow response report, which includes ideas to increase salt storage and to add CCTV cameras on major roads.

On changing the bylaw to fine those without the appropriate tires in snowy conditions, NPA Councillor Melissa de Genova wonders if police cars and fire trucks should have them first.

“So if the city can’t afford, under the leadership of Vision Vancouver, to provide our own emergency vehicles with proper snow or ice radials then I wouldn’t expect anyone else to have to go out and buy them”

Other recommendations include putting over $1 million toward expanding salt storage and service yard upgrades.