Yes, It’s Important to Clear Snow and Ice from Sidewalks Bordering Your Property
Winter is here, and more snowfall is in the forecast for this weekend. To help ensure winter operations run smoothly and efficiently, the City of Calgary is reminding you that shovelled snow does NOT belong on the road. In fact, it’s against the law to place it there.1 Under the Calgary Traffic Bylaw 26M962, shoveling snow or ice onto the road is illegal. This also applies to your contractors! If you have hired a contractor to plow your laneway or sidewalk, ensure they are licensed with the City and that they do not leave snow on the road from their removal.
The City of Calgary plows and salts main road sidewalks, residential sidewalks, crosswalks, school crossings, and pathways within parks; however, the sidewalks in front of houses and along your property are your responsibilities as a homeowner to salt and clear. The City’s Snow and Ice Control Policy3 states you are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks that border your property to ensure your neighbors can walk safely on a clear path without fear of slipping on ice or snow. A fine of up to $500 may be issued to those who do not comply with the bylaws.
Where to Park During a Snow Route Parking Ban
When a snow route parking ban is in effect, vehicles must be removed from snow routes to avoid tickets and towing. Here are alternative parking options to consider during a ban:4
1. On-Street Paid Parking in ParkPlus Zones
- Calgary Parking permits on-street paid parking in ParkPlus zones located on snow routes during the daytime only:
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday.
2. Streets Not on Snow Routes
- Park on nearby streets that are not designated as snow routes and have no other parking restrictions.
3. In Alleys (If Conditions Are Met)
- Parking in alleys is permitted only if the following conditions are satisfied:
- The alley is wider than 6.1 metres and has no parking restrictions.
- There is at least 1.5 metres of space between the vehicle and any driveway or garage.
- The vehicle is not parked directly across from a driveway or garage.
- There is at least 1 metre of clearance from nearby blue, black, and green waste carts.
- There is at least 3 metres of clearance on either side of the vehicle to ensure others can pass freely.
For additional details, consult Calgary’s traffic bylaw. Here
Working Together to Ensure Snow Operations Run Smoothly
Winter operations are a shared responsibility. You play an important role in helping the City clear snow and ice. With more snow in the forecast, be sure to follow these tips:
- Clear all materials from your property which create dangers for snow plow crews or block their operation. Landscaping elements including fences and barrier systems and outdoor sports equipment alongside stones and plant containers and birdbaths and porch furniture and additional decorative features must be kept 30cm away from sidewalks or 1m from street curbs. The area surrounding streets and sidewalks must be clear of all items extending beyond 30 cm from sidewalks or 1 m from curbs.
- Driving is only acceptable when essential during heavy snowstorms. The city transport system known as Calgary Transit operates during weather emergencies.
- Clean snow off all vehicle surfaces before driving and keep a safe distance from snowplows and salting equipment.
- Set waste bins back from the curb approximately one meter on the right-hand side of your driveway, where possible (when facing the home). They should never be placed on top of or behind snowbanks.
- Keep fire hydrants clear and accessible (one meter all around). Blocked, concealed, or difficult-to-access fire hydrants can slow down emergency fire response. Citizens who have a fire hydrant on their property or City property adjacent to theirs are responsible for ensuring the hydrant is always visible and unobstructed.
- Help keep catch basins clear of snow and ice to prevent flooding during temperature fluctuations, if it’s safe to do so.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that winter operations run smoothly and efficiently in Calgary. Let’s work together to keep our sidewalks safe and our streets clear this winter.
Picture Credit
Mitchell Smith, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Citations
- Clear Snow and Ice from Sidewalks Bordering Your Property – Don’t Shovel It Onto the Road Link: City of Calgary Blog Post ↩︎
- Calgary Traffic Bylaw 26M96 Link: Calgary Traffic Bylaw 26M96 ↩︎
- City of Calgary Snow and Ice Control Policy Link: City of Calgary Snow and Ice Control Policy ↩︎
- Snow route parking bans. (n.d.). https://www.calgary.ca. https://www.calgary.ca ↩︎