Snow Plowing
The Roads Team is responsible for plowing snow on major roads within our city boundaries (excluding TransCanada Highway 1) during a snowfall.
They tackle primary routes first with the goal of having them cleared for the morning commute. This means that they will start plowing in the middle of the night if necessary. After primary routes have been plowed, crews move onto other priority roadways.
- The document provides guidelines for winter maintenance operations within the approved budget and the terms of this policy.
- Please note: the procedure is listed after the policy, starting on PDF page 5.
| Winter Maintenance Procedure Sections | |
|---|---|
| Roadway Priorities and Standards | Sidewalk / Pathway Snow and Ice Clearing |
| Snow Plowing | Parking Bans |
| Sanding, Salting, and Ice Control | Snow On-Call Schedule |
| Snow Removal | Public Relations |
| Sand and Salt Storage | Unsafe Conditions |
City Council has set six (6) priority ratings for roads as follows:
Priority 1 (Primary Routes)
- Cleared in twenty-four (24) hours after the end of a snow event.
- Includes access for emergency services, transit stops, primary parking lots, school zones, school bus routes and major roadways into and within Chestermere.
- This plan includes the new bus transit routes proposed in the City of Chestermere transit plan.
- Our primary objective is to provide the public with safe travel routes on major roadways and access to primary public facilities and minimize disruption from weather conditions within the City.
Priority 2 (Secondary Routes)
- Cleared forty-eight (48) hours after the end of a snow event.
- Includes access for school zones, transit stops, primary parking lots, secondary roads that link our main travel routes between our primary roadways.
- Our objective is to provide the public with safe travel routes on secondary roadways and minimize disruption from weather conditions within the City.
Priority 3 (Neighbourhood Connectors)
- Cleared forty-eight (48) hours after the end of a snow event.
- Includes access for neighborhood connector roads that link our main travel routes between our primary and secondary roadways.
- Our objective is to provide the public with safe travel routes on neighborhood connector roadways and minimize disruption from weather conditions within the City.
Priority 4 (Rural Roads)
- Cleared seventy-two (72) hours after the end of a snow event.
- Includes access for rural roads that surround the outer boundary of the City.
- These routes may include paved and un-paved roadways.
- Our objective is to provide the public with safe travel routes on rural roadways and minimize disruption from weather conditions within the City.
Priority 5 (Local Residential Roads)
- Includes access for City owned parking lots.
- Our objective is to provide a reasonable level of safety for facility user groups.
Priority 6 (Complaints and Requests)
- Complaints and requests received will be investigated and appropriate action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation and the judgement of the Roads Supervisor.
Questions? – Contact Community Operations by Email or call (403) 207-2807.
What You Can Do
- Check out our Winter Maintenance Policy and procedure.
- Please note: the procedure is listed after the policy, on PDF page 5.
- As per our Snow Removal Bylaw, you are required to clear your sidewalk of snow within 48 hours of snowfall. Snow is not to be shoveled onto the road.
- Drive carefully when passing or following the plow trucks. We appreciate your cooperation and respect for everyone’s safety.
- Winter roads can be slick and dangerous. Remember to drive to the conditions. Transport Canada and Alberta Transportation (Safe Roads) have helpful websites with safe winter driving tips.
Snow Route Parking Bans
- Sign up to receive Voyent Alerts on your cell phone or by email when a Snow Route Parking Ban is issued.
You will be notified that there is a parking ban in place for your street by:
- Notifications: Sign up to receive Voyent Alerts on your cell phone or by email when a Snow Route Parking Ban is issued.
- Temporary Signs: If we need you to move your vehicle, there will be sandwich boards placed in your area at least 24 hours in advance letting you know.
- Website: If a parking ban has been declared for your area, it will be posted on our website on our homepage and on the top of this page.
- Note: If you do not move your vehicle when a parking ban is in effect, your vehicle will be towed to the Classic Towing Impound Lot (285200 61 Ave Rockyview, AB) and you will receive a fine.