Street Sweeping Starts

Mid-April in Strathcona County

Spring has arrived in Strathcona County, and that means street sweeping season is about to begin. The annual community-wide program clears away the sand, gravel, and debris that accumulate over the winter months.

 

When It Starts

 

Street sweeping typically begins in mid-to-late April, when conditions are warm and dry enough to ensure winter is well behind us. The program usually takes three to four weeks to complete in Sherwood Park and Ardrossan, while rural areas—including country residential subdivisions and grid roads—are typically finished by the end of May.

 

How It Works

 

Crews follow a detailed, multi-pass process to ensure thorough cleaning:

 

• Sweepers begin along the curb and slowly move toward the center of the road

• Residential neighborhoods are cleaned during daytime hours

• Arterial roads, major routes, and parking lots are cleaned overnight to reduce traffic impacts

• Crews may return multiple times to ensure complete cleaning

 

How Residents Can Help

 

A few simple actions can make a significant difference:

 

Move Your Vehicles: While vehicles won't be ticketed or towed, moving them off the street allows for the most thorough cleaning. Sweepers must work around parked vehicles, leaving material underneath.

 

Clear the Area: Remove obstructions like rubber curb ramps, basketball nets, or waste carts from the street.

 

Sweep Your Property: Sweep sidewalks and driveways before sweepers arrive to prevent gravel from being tracked back onto cleaned roadways.

 

Watch for Signs: Temporary signs are placed at neighborhood entrances at least 24 hours before sweeping begins. Wait to park on the street until these signs are removed, even if a sweeper has already passed through.

 

Waste Collection Day: Set roll-out carts at the end of your driveway rather than on the road or sidewalk if your neighborhood is scheduled for sweeping.

 

Stay Informed

 

For more information and official start dates, visit strathcona.ca/Sweeping