Winter Season

Prioritized Snow Removal

Confederation College has a strategic operational plan for winter operations related to snow clearing on campus. Over time, this plan has been continuously refined to provide a safe and accessible campus.

The snow removal process is managed by Facilities Services with contributions from three key groups:

1. Entrances and Exits: These areas are cleared by the Cleaners (contractor). They are responsible for maintaining a clear sidewalk 4 meters from entrances or to the bottom of the accessibility ramps or stairs outside the building.
2. Sideways and Pathways: Facilities Services workers are responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks and paths on campus and applying sand/salt mixture as required. Note that there are active transportation multi-use trails on campus that are cleared by the City of Thunder Bay.
3. Roadways and Parking Lots: These are cleared by a snow removal contractor. When snow accumulation reaches 2 inches from a snow fall, the contractor will attend the site and plow parking lots and roadways. Additionally, they will apply sand as required. Due to safety concerns, the contractor is required to be out of the parking lots before 8 am and depending on the time of snow fall, snow accumulation may be here when you arrive.  Snow removal from roadways will occur during day time operating hours, please drive carefully.
4. Residence Parking Lots: Residence parking lots will be plowed as best as possible around parked vehicles by the snow removal contractor. Throughout the winter, the snow removal contractor will develop a rotating schedule where residence students will be asked to move their vehicles from residence parking lots to allow proper clearing. Communications are provided for these instances.

The volume and duration of snowfall and wind conditions have a significant impact on snow clearing and conditions. During weather events primary entrances, roadways, and sidewalks may be cleared multiple times prior to secondary routes. The college community is encouraged to stick to primary routes during weather events.

Plan Ahead and Be Safe

Plan ahead – snow and ice are realities of living in Northwestern Ontario, take the following steps to make sure you can get to campus safely:

• Watch for weather bulletins and prepare for conditions;
• Check campus updates through social media or the SAFECampus App;
• Wake up earlier;
• Wear the right clothing (including layers) and foodwear); and
• Give yourself more time to travel to and from campus.

Facilities Services is committed to providing accessible services and facilities under the safest conditions possible. Like a snowflake – no snow event is the same, spring melt, wind conditions, and fluctuating temperatures cause unique conditions from early October to late May. Our team works efficiently to get ahead of the snow and ice but challenges arise. Be safe, patient, and travel with caution.

Report Hazardous Conditions

During snow events the campus community is encouraged to identify areas where conditions are hazardous. Anyone can report concerns by calling 807-475-6261 or by email to facilities@confederationcollege.ca during regular business hours. To report a concern after hours, contact Security by dialling 922 from any internal college phone or 807-623-0465 from any other phone.

Steps for Reporting Snow and Ice Hazards on Campus

Anyone on campus can report an area on campus that is hazardous due to snow and/or ice. Please note that Confederation College takes a priority approach to snow clearing that may delay your reported concern based on priority and/or severity.

To report a snow or ice hazard include the following information:

• Name of the building, road, or parking lot where the hazard is located or closest to
• Specific location of the issue, including nearest landmark, identifiable features, etc.
• Description of the hazard
• Include a picture, including landmarks

Submit your concern to facilities@confederationcollege.ca, reports submitted via email are processed during normal operating hours (Monday to Friday).

To report snow and/or ice related hazards outside of normal operating hours, contact Security by dialling 922 from any internal college phone or 807-623-0465 from any other phone.

Inclement Weather

In the event of inclement winter weather a decision may be made to cancel classes, cancel non-essential services, or close the college.

Students and staff will be notified via SAFECampus app and on social media. Ensure that you have downloaded the SAFECampus app and follow Confederation College on social media for timely updates.