Battling Winter: Meet SFU’s Snow Team and Their Surprising Names

February 13, 2025

Snow and ice crew on a night shift: Ramon Garcia De Lao in snow machine “Control Salt Delete“ and Russell Machardy.

Over the past couple of weeks, the Facilities Services crew has been on high alert as fluctuating temperatures have created snowy and frosty conditions on the Burnaby campus.

Every winter, this dedicated 40-member team of plow drivers, labourers, forepersons and mechanics assemble as soon as the weather changes to frigid temperatures.

Day or night, the team is activated and works 12-16 hour rotating shifts, including weekends, to keep roads, pathways, stairs and entrances clear. Their quick response is essential to preventing snow and ice buildup, ensuring key areas and priority routes remain safe for everyone on campus.

A Fun Team Building Initiative

Snowplow ”The Big Leplowski”: Snow removal equipment have been creatively named by the Facilities Services department.

To add a touch of humour to their winter operations, Facilities Services introduced a creative initiative to name their fleet of 11 snow removal equipment. The cleverly-named fleet includes:

Snowplows

The Big Leplowski
Plowy McPlowface
Sweet Child O' Brine
Darth Blader
Snow BeGone Kenobi
Salt Dog

Snow Machines

Control Salt Delete
Cleoropathra
No More Mr. Ice Guy
Sleetwood Mac
Better Call Salt

Not only did this strengthen the team’s sense of community and belonging, the crew is always ready to tackle whatever challenges the season brings, ensuring a safe environment for all.