October 27, 2023
The Snow and Ice Control program enables Edmontonians to experience a safe and liveable winter city. This winter, Edmontonians will see several new updates along with slightly adjusted prioritized service levels compared to last season.
“Edmonton is a winter city and the Snow and Ice Control program allows everyone to experience a safe and liveable city. The program ensures residents can connect and access spaces, services, facilities and transportation networks no matter how they travel. We want to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable winter season,” said Craig McKeown, Branch Manager of Parks and Roads Services.
2023-24 Winter Season
Roadways Snow Clearing Map
A
new live snow clearing map using GPS data shows where crews are active and clearing more than 12,000 km of roadways. When snow is falling, crews work 24/7 to address snow accumulation and traction concerns. Our priority is to clear major roads first. When a snow event occurs, the map will show where plows are active and the immediate locations where they have been working. When there is no snow event, the map will show the locations of where plows are applying traction and conducting touch-up clearing. This interactive map is one example of our continued efforts to enhance service delivery for residents.
Active Pathways Snow Clearing Map with Winter Priority Loop
This winter season, based on community engagement and feedback, and to maximize funding allocations, clearing of Priority 1 bike lanes has been adjusted to create a Winter Priority Loop to be cleared within 24 hours. This connected loop in the downtown area has three river crossings and creates an interconnected and reliable network cleared within the first 24 hours. Bike lanes outside the Winter Priority Loop have shifted to a Priority 2 and will be cleared within three days. The Active Pathways map is available at
edmonton.ca/SafeTravels (or
direct link).
Snow Clearing Prioritization and Service Levels
When it snows, there’s a priority clearing system designed to keep Edmontonians safe and traffic flowing smoothly. Roadways and Active Pathways have their own teams and specialized equipment to complete clearing. That way, the service that they deliver does not compete with each other.
The road priorities as outlined in the Snow and Ice Control Policy, and 2023-24 service levels, are:
- Freeways, arterial roads and business districts - 5 days
- Collector roads and bus routes - 5 days
- Local industrial roadways - 5 days
- Residential streets and alleys - 10 days
The priorities for Active Pathways, and 2023-24 service levels, are:
- City facilities, LRT stations, paved trails, priority bike routes (Winter Priority Loop) - 1 day
- City sidewalks, wheelchair ramps, bridges, stairs, parking lots, bike lanes - 3 days
- Manually cleared areas (bus stops, paths, public amenities), community sandboxes - 14 days
Parking Ban Notification Tool
The Service Notifications tool gives residents the option to choose to receive text and/or email notifications of parking bans in their area. Subscribers to the service receive a notification of when residents need to move their vehicles as well as when the parking bans are completed. Residents can sign up at
my.edmonton.ca.
Parking Bans
The City has the option to call a two-phased parking ban, allowing for improved service when conditions require it. The citywide parking ban consists of the following:
-
Phase 1 - Major Roads: Crews clear arterial and collector roads, bus routes and business improvement areas. You may continue to park on your residential street.
-
Phase 2 - Residential and Industrial Roads: Crews clear residential and industrial roads. You may park on your driveway, in a parking space on a neighbour's property with their permission or on any road cleared during Phase 1 where parking is normally allowed. Phase 2 parking bans are conditional and may not automatically be activated following a Phase 1 parking ban.
Snow Clearing Responsibilities
As residents of a winter city, everyone needs to be considerate of the impact snow-covered and icy sidewalks have on neighbours and fellow citizens. A guiding principle of the City’s snow and ice policy is that of shared responsibility—we all have a role to play in keeping our city sidewalks safe. Property owners should remove snow and ice as soon as possible, especially during days of continuous snowfall and during freeze/thaw cycles. Keeping your sidewalk shoveled ensures everyone can connect to and access spaces. Moving your vehicles during a parking ban ensures City crews can clear snow from roadways effectively and efficiently. The Community Standards Bylaw 14600, states snow and ice are to be removed from the sidewalks as quickly as possible.
Enforcement
Edmontonians can expect to see ticketing as a tool to contribute to the speed, efficiency and quality of snow and ice clearing throughout the city. Drivers who have not moved their vehicle during a parking ban may receive a $250 ticket. Failure to clear a sidewalk may result in a $100 ticket.
Community Sandbox Program
The City provides sand, at no cost, through the Community Sandbox Program to help residents keep their sidewalks safe and accessible. Residents can find sand bin location details and the map at
edmonton.ca/communitysandboxes.
Named Plows
This winter season, the team of named plows returns to the streets. The roster has increased and residents can keep an eye out for plows like Buzz Iceclear, Amarsleet Snowhi, Connor McBlade-It and Plowasaurus Rex. The named plows are among nearly 200 other City vehicles used to clear snow and ice and can be located on the Snow and Ice Control Clearing Map at
edmonton.ca/SafeTravels.
Be mindful of our plows and operators, by giving them the space they need on highways and collector roads to do their work safely. Drivers must not pass a snowplow when the view along the side of the snowplow is obstructed or when passing would impede the operation of the snowplow.
