However, even small amounts of snow in the Vancouver area can cause school closures, as well as produce traffic problems. The low frequency of snowfall makes it hard to justify the public works infrastructure necessary for more effective snow removal, as the city is usually in a thaw situation long before plowing of streets are completed. The City budgets $400,000 per year for the maintenance of snow removal equipment, for the purchasing of de-icing salt, and for the training of staff, but the costs of actual snow removal are funded separately from contingency reserve funds, and vary widely from season to season.
Vancouver's snow removal efforts are hampered by the infrequent snowfall, leading to challenges in justifying the necessary infrastructure and funding for effective snow removal. The city faces a financial dilemma as it allocates funds for equipment maintenance, salt purchases, and staff training while the actual cost of snow removal fluctuates significantly from season to season.