Edmonton’s Snow and Ice Clearing Policy: What You Need to Know
As winter approaches, the city of Edmonton is gearing up for another season of snow and ice. With this comes the important task of clearing roads and sidewalks to ensure safe and accessible travel for its residents. But what exactly is Edmonton’s snow and ice clearing policy? Let’s take a closer look.
The policy, which was first implemented in 2017, outlines the city’s approach to snow and ice removal on roads, sidewalks, and other public spaces. It is based on a priority system, with the highest priority given to major roads and bus routes, followed by collector roads, industrial areas, and residential roads. Sidewalks and pathways are also cleared in a similar priority order.
One of the key aspects of the policy is the use of a “snow route parking ban.” This means that when a snowfall reaches a certain threshold, designated snow routes must be cleared within a specific timeframe. To facilitate this, parking is prohibited on these routes until the snow has been cleared. This allows for more efficient and timely snow removal, reducing the risk of accidents and delays.
In addition to snow routes, the city also has a “snow zone” system in place. This divides the city into seven zones, with each zone being responsible for clearing snow and ice on residential roads and sidewalks within its boundaries. This approach allows for a more targeted and efficient response to snow and ice in different areas of the city.
But what about sidewalks and pathways? The city has a bylaw in place that requires property owners to clear snow and ice from the sidewalks adjacent to their property within 48 hours of a snowfall. Failure to do so can result in a fine. However, the city does offer assistance to those who are unable to clear their sidewalks, such as seniors or individuals with disabilities.
It’s also worth noting that the city has a “bare pavement” policy, which means that roads and sidewalks are cleared down to the pavement, rather than just being plowed. This helps to prevent the buildup of ice and snow, making for safer and more accessible travel.
While the city’s snow and ice clearing policy may not be perfect, it is constantly being reviewed and improved upon. In fact, the city recently announced plans to increase the number of snow plows and sidewalk clearing machines, as well as implementing new technology to better track and respond to snow and ice conditions.
In conclusion, Edmonton’s snow and ice clearing policy is a crucial aspect of ensuring safe and accessible travel for its residents during the winter months. With a priority-based approach, designated snow routes, and a commitment to clearing down to the pavement, the city is taking steps to improve its snow and ice removal efforts. As always, it is important for residents to do their part in keeping sidewalks clear, and to be patient and understanding during the winter season.
