Coasters are looking alternately shell-shocked and gleeful as the Sunshine Coast was hit with winter weather that has not been seen in years according to Environment Canada.
Sunshine Coast RCMP are impressed so far with people's response to the unexpected conditions.
"Overall the motoring public have been driving according to road conditions, which has helped to keep our accidents to a reasonable number," said Sgt. Stuart Falebrinza. "Since Dec. 14 the Sunshine Coast detachment has had many minor fender benders with damage under $1,000." He said police did not attend those accidents as people go directly through ICBC.
"The RCMP have attended nine accidents with damage over $1,000 since the 14th," he said. "There has been one charge of speed relative to conditions."
The conditions are dangerous for first responders as well. Falebrinza said on Sunday night while heading out to a call, a police car went off the road near Seaview Lane and hit a power pole. No one was injured in the single-vehicle accident.
Paramedics have also had a tough time getting out to calls.
Jim Gibson from the Sechelt unit said they have had sand bags in their vehicles to help them get around. He also wanted to remind the public to try to clear their sidewalks and driveways of snow and to make sure their house numbers are visible, as paramedics have had a tough time seeing house numbers, especially at night.
Transit cancellations left riders stranded in some areas and having to hike to Highway 101 in order to catch the HandyDART buses as the regular-sized buses were sidelined by road conditions. Residents can call 604-885-6899 to find information on scheduling and any further route cancellations.
Environment Canada is predicting snow and temperatures hovering around the freezing mark through Friday, Dec. 2,7 when it is expected to warm slightly and start raining.
Capilano Highways road crews and Town of Gibsons and District of Sechelt workers have been busy trying to keep the main highway clear, but many side streets have not been plowed, making a lot of them impassable.
But there is a fun side to all this snow. Area resident Leeann Hodges and her family enjoyed the appearance of snow last Thursday. They spent it sledding in Hackett Park to be followed by hot chocolate and then Christmas tree hunting.
A walk with the kids and dog to the nearest slope with a sled or snowshoes might be your best bet this holiday week.
