Who’s going to clear the snow off our roads?

With heavier than normal snowfalls and sudden warm spells, many of our streets have become very difficult to navigate. Clearing (grading) the roads is the City’s responsibility, but they face a huge challenge under recent conditions.

The City plows and sands roads and walkways as needed based on weather conditions, safety considerations and the priority of the roadway. They have 110 sanding trucks and 20 sidewalk plows operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Normally, major roads are plowed when 3cm of snow has accumulated, and the forecast calls for continued snowfall. Residential roads are bladed after the Arterial and Collector road network has been done and considered to be in safe condition.

Quick Fact: The past record for amount of snow removed from streets and trucked to dump sites was 2.4 MILLION cubic metres! The Transportation Dept expects to exceed that this winter.

WHEN WILL OUR STREETS BE PLOWED?

In response to a flood of calls from residents wondering when their street will be cleared, the City is publishing a neighbourhood snow-plowing schedule on-line.

Please check the upcoming snow-plow schedule at: http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/roads_traffic/residental-snow-plowing-schedule.aspx

To contact the City regarding streets that have not yet been cleared, or do not appear on their posted schedule, phone the citizen’s action line (dial 311) or send an email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

• Keep vehicles off the street. Terwillegar Towne roads are narrow by design, and with the windrows
  piled on each side, there’s no room for parked cars. Use your garage and driveway to fullest capacity. 
• Shovel out the windrows from driveway & sidewalk entrances.
• Help your neighbours keep the sidewalks clear.

DO YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

You’ll find a full list of answers to common snow-related questions on the City’s FAQ page: http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/roads_traffic/snow-and-ice-control-program-faq.aspx.

Excerpts from  the City’s FAQ page:

“Will the City clear access to my property after my road or alley is plowed?
The City does not remove the snow or windrows from residential roads. Residents are responsible for clearing snow ridges that block access to their walkways. Snow blocking front driveways will be cleared to leave minimal windrows. The City does not clear windrows that block driveways in alleys.”

“Am I responsible for clearing the sidewalk adjacent to my property?
Yes, you must clear sidewalks adjacent to your property within 48 hours of a snowfall. The snow may not be placed on nearby streets, alleys or other public places. If your sidewalks are not cleared you may be subject to a $100 fine, along with the cost of removing the snow and ice. For more information, see Part II of Bylaw 14600, the Community Standards Bylaw.”