Winter Wonderland 2025
Winter In Calgary, it’s always a surprise as to what you’ll wake up to. Cold, grey days with snow piled high and slippery roads or bright sunshine and warm Chinook winds that turn winter into spring-like conditions. The cycle of melting and refreezing turns pedestrian pathways and roadways into treacherous surfaces, posing significant hazards.
Calgary Bylaws – What You Need to Know
While the snow brings beauty, it also presents several challenges that require careful management. To ensure safety and accessibility, the city enforces several bylaws concerning snow and ice removal. Below is an overview of these regulations.
Snow and Ice Removal on Sidewalks
Property owners and occupants are required to clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall ends.
This responsibility is crucial for pedestrian safety and accessibility. Both property owners and tenants must ensure compliance. It’s good to know the City of Calgary provides a sand and salt-coated gravel mixture (also called pickle) at no cost to Calgarians for use on public walkways. You can find this mixture in sandboxes at most fire stations and road maintenance district offices around the city. City sanding trucks and snow ploughs look after Calgary roads.
You Will Receive a Fine
Failure to clear sidewalks can result in fines. To maintain order and adherence to property guidelines, a structured fine system is in place for property occupants in case of violations. This system is designed to encourage compliance and address repeat offences with increasing penalties.
• First Offense: The initial violation incurs a Fine of $250. This serves as a warning and a financial penalty to discourage future infractions.
• Second Offense: If a second offense occurs within 12 months of the first, the fine increases to $500. This is intended to underscore the importance of adhering to property rules.
• Third and Subsequent Offenses: For a third offense and any further offenses within a 12-month period, the fine is raised to $750. This significant penalty reflects the seriousness of repeated violations.
Additional Consequences for Repeat Offenders: Tickets issued to repeat offenders may necessitate a court appearance. This legal requirement emphasizes the critical nature of compliance and the potential for increased consequences beyond financial penalties.
City Guidelines for Disposing of Shovelled Snow
• Allowed: Shovel snow from public spaces (e.g., sidewalks) onto other public spaces (e.g., roads).
• Not Allowed: Shovel snow from private property (e.g., driveways) onto public spaces.
Street Parking During Snowfalls
During heavy snowfalls, parking restrictions may be enforced to facilitate snow removal from roads.
• Snow Route Parking Bans: These are temporary parking restrictions activated during significant snowfalls.
• Notification: Residents can sign up for alerts to know when a Snow Route Parking Ban is in effect.
• Enforcement: Vehicles parked on snow routes during a ban may be ticketed or towed.
Handling the Neighbour Who Never Shovels Their Sidewalk
Dealing with a neighbour who neglects to shovel their sidewalk can be frustrating, especially during the winter months when snow and ice can create hazardous conditions. With that in mind, here are some thoughtful strategies to address the situation effectively and maintain a positive relationship with your neighbour.
Understand the Situation
Before taking action, it’s important to understand why your neighbour might not be shovelling their sidewalk.
Consider that they may have health issues or physical limitations that make shovelling difficult or impossible. They could also have a busy schedule that prevents them from taking care of the snow in a timely manner.
When you feel ready to discuss the issue with your neighbour, approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Be polite and non-confrontational. Use “I” statements to express your concerns, such as “I noticed the sidewalk can get quite slippery when it snows, and I worry about someone getting hurt.” If you’re able, offer to help shovel their sidewalk, especially if you suspect they have physical limitations or time constraints.
It may be appropriate to let them know Calgary offers assistance for residents who may have difficulty complying with these regulations such as:
• Snow Angels Program: Encourages community members to help neighbours who are unable to clear their sidewalks.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Residents are invited to volunteer for the program to help those in need.
Reporting Non-Compliance
As a last resort, if the problem remains unsolved and poses a safety risk, contact the 3-1-1 service. Bylaw officers will be notified and can enforce local laws to ensure the sidewalk is cleared.
Winter in Calgary is a season of beauty and responsibility. While the snow creates a magical atmosphere, it also demands effective management to ensure safety and accessibility for all. By understanding and following these City bylaws, we all help create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone during the winter months when we all do our part.
Happy winter, spring will soon be upon us!
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