The recent dump of snow has forced Canada Post to suspend mail delivery in some parts of British Columbia.
The postal company has issued a "red delivery service alert" for the following regions:
- Gulf Islands
- Lower Mainland area, including Metro Vancouver
- Nanaimo and South Vancouver Island
- Powell River
- Sunshine Coast
A media advisory from Canada Post says any employees in the field will be recalled.
"Delivery will resume once conditions improve and it's safe to do so. The safety of our employees is our number one priority," writes spokesperson Eunice Machuhi in an email.
Machuhi notes the red service alert issued Wednesday for Gabriola Island, Ladysmith and Nanaimo has been updated with today's expanded locations.
Residents can do their part to keep employees safe. Canada Post encourages customers to clear ice from their walkways, stairs and driveways, "to ensure safe access to the front door for both their visitors, as well as their mail carriers, when service resumes."
If you have questions about mail delivery, you're asked to call customer service at 1-866-607-6301. You can also keep tabs on delivery disruptions by visiting the Canada Post website.
The south coast was digging out from snow that blanketed Metro Vancouver and southern Vancouver Island early Thursday, creating challenging conditions on roads and bridges throughout those regions and slowing transit services in many areas.
With a file from Canadian Press