Strathcona County Gears Up for Winter Snow Removal

As winter approaches, Strathcona County is fully prepared to tackle snow and ice, ensuring that roads, trails, and sidewalks remain safe and accessible for all residents.

Snow Route Parking Bans

To facilitate efficient snow removal, the county implements snow route parking bans on collector roads marked with permanent signs stating "snow route when declared." These bans are announced at least 24 hours in advance, and residents are required to remove vehicles from these routes to avoid a $250 ticket and potential towing. It may take up to five days to clear the snow from these routes.

Residential Street Snow Clearing

Residential streets are cleared when compacted snow reaches a depth of 7 cm. Large orange signs will be placed in neighborhoods at least 24 hours before snow clearing is scheduled, indicating the dates when parking is not permitted. Residents should remove vehicles from the streets during the posted timeframe to avoid fines and towing. The clearing process may take up to 10 days to complete across all neighborhoods.

Sidewalk Maintenance

Residents are responsible for clearing their sidewalks within 48 hours after a snowfall, ensuring a full-width, ice-free path safe for all pedestrians. Failure to comply may result in a Snow Clearing Notice, and if the sidewalk remains uncleared, the county will perform the task and charge the homeowner accordingly. Free rock chips are available at bins throughout the county to assist with ice control.

Stay Informed

To stay updated on snow removal activities, residents can sign up for Winter Roads eNews, which provides timely updates about parking bans and other winter maintenance activities. Additionally, following Strathcona County's official social media channels and checking the county's website can provide real-time information on road conditions and snow clearing schedules.

Volunteer Opportunities

For those interested in assisting the community, the SnowBusters program matches volunteers with seniors and persons with disabilities to help clear snow from their walkways and driveways. This initiative promotes community connections and helps prevent injuries from slips and falls.

By adhering to these guidelines and staying informed, residents can contribute to a safer and more efficient winter season in Strathcona County.