The real nightmare before Christmas
Ana Ximena Mtnz Lima (She/Her) // Contributor
Sol Yoon (she/her) // Illustrator
In Vancouver, white days bring the city to a standstill. How is it possible that such a beautiful landscape can be so terrifying at the same time? We know that snowfall isn’t as common in Vancouver as in other parts of the country, but complete shutdowns have become the norm. We’ve become a meme across Canada, illustrating how the city comes to a halt with just a bit of snow.
Exactly a year ago, in December 2022, I experienced my first snowfall in the city. What initially seemed like a magical and exciting moment soon turned into an experience I’d rather not relive this year. Driving and taking the bus in Vancouver were things I wanted to avoid at all costs. From cars sliding on some hills where the snow wasn’t cleared, to getting stuck while trying to park. More often than not, bus services were suspended, and I had to wait for the next one in the bone-chilling cold.
When you have to go to school or work, the commute becomes a nightmare — minutes stretch out, and you know that anything can happen along the way. We’re aware that the approximate dates of snowfall coincide with the last days of the fall term, which also happen to be finals season, with projects and many pending tasks that require us to be on campus. Having the option of online classes during these days should be something all students and staff have. Many people live far from CapU, and whether they travel by car or bus, the snowfall affects them.
While I was in the midst of my finals last year, I made the decision to study at a library in North Burnaby to focus a little more. As I left my place, only a few snowflakes were beginning to fall. I took the bus and spent several hours studying, completely unaware of the unforeseen events that would unfold later in the day. Upon exiting the library, the city appeared to have transformed into a winter wonderland, with the glistening lights and snow-covered streets resembling scenes from a Disney movie.
As I boarded the bus to head back, everything initially seemed normal. However, it didn’t take long for a few buses ahead to get stuck, and the driver informed us that reaching our intended destination was now an impossibility. He explained that he would do his utmost to get us closer to the SkyTrain station, as it was getting late, and there would be no more buses running. As he cautiously descended a hill the bus began to skid and when he managed to get the brakes to work he urgently advised us to disembark as quickly as possible — emphasizing that we had to continue our journey on foot.
Each person can recount their unique experiences with winter commutes, from humorous anecdotes to genuinely perilous moments. Our university is well aware of these challenges, and should recognize the risks that students, faculty, and staff take to make their way to campus. In light of these circumstances, hybrid classes should be considered an essential measure, and I believe that many people involved with CapU may share this viewpoint. These risks are not limited to inconveniences and delays but also extend to potential accidents and health hazards, making it a matter of utmost concern.
By offering the flexibility of remote learning during adverse weather conditions, the university can ensure the safety and well-being of its students and employees, while also mitigating the disruptive impact that such weather events can have on education and work. This winter, let’s relish the snow and the beautiful landscapes without the worries of transportation and its challenges, all the while fulfilling our responsibilities.