We continue to clear all city bus stops, however timelines have returned to pre-pilot levels:
- Priority 1 = within 3 days
- Priority 2 = an additional 4 days
- Priority 3 = an additional 7 days
Trails, Sidewalks & Transit Stops
Parks & Public Works clears approximately 130 kilometres of sidewalks throughout the city within three days of snowfall. Similar to our road clearing process, we prioritize by traffic volume, access and mobility. During last year's Snow & Ice Pilot, we expanded our operations to clear an additional 16 km of Grey Route sidewalks, 68 km of neighbourhood asphalt trails, and 35 km of Waskasoo Park trails, including several staircases. This year, we will continue to clear all these additional spaces.
| Purple | Red | Green | Grey | Orange |
| The City will clear on both sides of the streets for sidewalks adjacent to City property 10+ meters long. | The City will clear on both sides of the streets for sidewalks adjacent to City property 10+ meters long. | Property owners are responsible for clearing the sidewalks adjacent to their property within 48 hours of snowfall. The City will clear sidewalks adjacent to city property 10+ meters long. | Property owners are responsible for clearing the sidewalks adjacent to their property within 48 hours of snowfall. | |
Download coloured routes table (pdf)
Sidewalk clearing process
The responsibility to clear sidewalks is shared between The City, Public and Catholic Schools, businesses and residents. Check whose responsibility to clear which sidewalks are by viewing the Snow and Ice Control Sidewalk and Trail Clearing Map (pdf).
Frequently Asked Questions
When will transit stops be cleared?
What is changing related to sidewalk, staircase, neighbourhood & Waskasoo Park trails clearing by The City?
This winter, we are bringing back the enhanced trail and sidewalk clearing process that we introduced in the pilot program last year. To restore integrated mobility sooner for pedestrians, we will clear 146km of sidewalks, second-side sidewalks, 68km of neighbourhood asphalt trails, 35km of Waskasoo Park Trails and five staircases within 3-7 days of a snow event.
To see a full map of where we will be clearing, visit the Sidewalk Clearing Map (pdf)
When do I have to clear my sidewalks?
Property owners are required to clear the sidewalks adjacent to their property within 48 hours of snowfall or when ice forms. Failure to do so could result in a fine and a City crew being dispatched to clear the sidewalk at the owner’s expense. For more details, please refer to Section 59 of the Traffic Bylaw.
Who is responsible for clearing sidewalks on rental property?
Although a landlord may pass the task of snow removal on to a tenant, the landowner is ultimately responsible for clearing the sidewalk.
How do I report an uncleared sidewalk?
If the sidewalk is beside a residential property, please call the RCMP non-emergency complaint line at 403-406-2200 or you can use Report A Problem. A Municipal Enforcement Officer will be assigned to review the complaint and may issue a warning or ticket, depending on the circumstances and history of the property owner.
If a public sidewalk needs attention, please report it to Parks & Public Works at 403-342-8238.
Unsure who is responsible for the sidewalk? Check out the Snow and Ice Control Sidewalk and Trail Clearing Map (pdf).
What is the penalty for not clearing a sidewalk?
Fines are $35 plus potentially the cost of The City crew dispatched to clear the sidewalk. For an average-sized residential sidewalk, this could exceed $100.
What if I am unable to clear my own sidewalk?
Residents that have difficulty clearing their sidewalk are encouraged to make arrangements with a neighbour, friend or family member. If you’re able, be a Snow Buddy and help out a neighbour in need.
Can I get free sand for my sidewalk?
Residents and business owners can pick up free sand for ice control on sidewalks by visiting the City Civic Yards at 7721-40 Avenue. The sandbox is located north of the main front entrance gate in a large yellow bin (see image). Please remember to bring your own sand pail and shovel.
What do you use for traction control? Is it harmful to animals?
We use different types of traction control measures depending on the temperature. In temperatures of -15 degrees or warmer, sand is mixed with salt brine to provide traction control. In -15 degrees and colder the sand is mixed with Road Guard before being spread on the road surface. When Road Guard is applied for anti-icing and de-icing it presents a very low hazard to animals (and humans). Brief contact should not cause irritation to paws.