Regular winter maintenance is done on more than 510 roads in Fort McMurray, but how snow is cleared depends on the kind of road.
The busier roads (Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Routes) are prioritized and are not included in the Winter Maintenance Zone (WMZ) program. These Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Routes are not affected by Subzone activations. These routes receive more regular winter maintenance than residential streets included in the WMZ Program because of their priority status.
On-street parking restrictions vary according to whether the road is a Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary Route, or a residential street included in the WMZ Program.
The classification and priority of roads are determined by traffic volume, usage and location:
- Primary Routes: Thickwood Boulevard, Confederation Way, the downtown business area (Morrison Street, Hardin Street), Franklin Avenue, Hospital Street and MacKenzie Boulevard
- Secondary Routes: School zones, transit routes and main access roads to neighbourhoods
- Tertiary Routes: Roads that are steep, narrow or have unique features like Killdeer Way and Crane Rise
- Residential Streets: Neighbourhood streets, serviced by the Winter Maintenance Zone program
About Snow Clearing and Removal
Contact information |
If you would like to bring something to the attention of the Municipality's Public Works department, or have questions about snow plowing or removal, contact PULSE. |
Snow plowing |
Snow plowing is when snow is pushed from the roadway to the side or to the centre of the road to maintain at least one traffic lane in addition to space for street parking. Snow plowing operations are different than snow removal operations and happen more frequently, since they are less time-consuming. If you live on a Primary, Secondary or Tertiary Route, you can park on your street when it is being plowed, as the street is big enough for the plow to go around parked vehicles. Other parking restrictions may apply, so always look for posted street signage. Snow plowing priorities:
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Snow removal |
Snow removal (or snow hauling) is the process of loading snow into trucks and hauling it to storage sites. A snow removal operation is more time-consuming and costly than a snow plowing operation, so it happens less frequently. Snow removal operations are typically conducted only once or twice per winter season. If you live on a Primary, Secondary or Tertiary Route, watch for temporary “no parking” signs on your street. These signs are placed 24 hours in advance of scheduled snow removal on your street so you can plan ahead. Start dates for snow removal on Primary, Secondary and Tertiary routes are shared on social media, WMZ email alerts and by calling Pulse. If you are unsure, do not park on the street when the signs are out. Snow removal priorities:
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Snow Clearing in Rural Hamlets |
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Snow Clearing in Fort Chipewyan |
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Highways |
Alberta Transportation is responsible for the maintenance of Highways 63 and 881, including the interchanges accessing the highways. For more information on highways, phone 1-800-390-2242 or follow the province on Twitter at @ABTransComm. |
Sidewalks and pathways |
Keeping our sidewalks clear and safe for pedestrians is a shared responsibility between residents and the Municipality. Sidewalks next to commercial or residential properties are the responsibility of the owners, occupants or tenants and must be cleared within 48 hours after a snow fall. The Municipality will clear snow that has spilled over on sidewalks in active Winter Maintenance Zones while maintenance was occurring. Sidewalks, pathways and trails that border municipally-owned land are the responsibility of the RMWB to keep clear and safe. Routes to schools and emergency facilities will be prioritized, followed by sidewalks along primary and secondary routes and then trails. Groups that use the trails throughout the winter assist with grooming duties. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the snow be cleared from my streets? | ||||||||||||||
Residential streets will be plowed according to the Winter Maintenance Zone schedule. If your home is located on a secondary or tertiary route, snow will be cleared more regularly. | ||||||||||||||
Who clears snow from the highways? | ||||||||||||||
Alberta Transportation is responsible for the maintenance of Highways 63 and 881, including the interchanges accessing the highways. For more information on highways, phone 1-800-390-2242 or follow the province on Twitter at @ABTransComm. | ||||||||||||||
How does the Winter Maintenance Zones program work? | ||||||||||||||
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How do I know when Winter Maintenance Zones (WMZs) and Subzones are active or relaxed? | ||||||||||||||
You can keep up to date on the status of WMZs in the following ways.
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I rely on on-street parking. What are my other options when my WMZ is active? | ||||||||||||||
Winter Maintenance Zones will only be active on one weekday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., therefore you'll be able to make advance arrangements to move your vehicles if necessary. Parking alternatives include driveways, garages, or sharing a parking space with a neighbour or friend. Additional parking can be found in public parking lots in Fort McMurray. On-street parking may also be available along primary and secondary routes when your Winter Maintenance Zone is active. Other parking restrictions may apply along these routes, so watch for any posted signage. |
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If there are vehicles are parked on my street when my WMZ is active, how will that affect snow clearing? | ||||||||||||||
Snow removal equipment is large, so a lot of space is needed to get into residential streets and perform maintenance. Even one or two vehicles left along the street can cause delays and create challenges for completing winter maintenance for the entire subzone on its given weekday. | ||||||||||||||
Can I park in my alleyway when my Winter Maintenance Zone is active? | ||||||||||||||
No. As per Bylaw 21/010, parking in alleyways is not permitted, in order to provide access for emergency response vehicles. | ||||||||||||||
Will Winter Maintenance Zones affect on-street parking when I take my kids to school? | ||||||||||||||
No. Winter Maintenance Zones apply to residential streets only. Schools are located along secondary routes, and Winter Maintenance Zones do not apply in these areas. | ||||||||||||||
Do Winter Maintenance Zones apply to both sides of the street? | ||||||||||||||
Yes. Vehicles need to be removed from both sides of the street to allow our maintenance equipment to enter and safely clear the entire street. | ||||||||||||||
I have an RV/mobile home. Do on-street parking restrictions apply to me? | ||||||||||||||
Yes. Vehicles need to be removed from both sides of the street to allow our maintenance equipment to enter and safely clear the entire street. | ||||||||||||||
I live in a condo. How do Winter Maintenance Zones apply to me? | ||||||||||||||
Condo corporations are responsible for snow and ice control on their respective properties, so WMZs do not apply to condo property specifically. However, condo owners could still be affected if they are parked on the street while visiting friends or family, or out doing regular activities. | ||||||||||||||
What is the penalty for on-street parking while my Winter Maintenance Zone is active? | ||||||||||||||
Residents are responsible for complying with parking regulation as set out in Bylaw 21/010. Vehicles parked in an active Winter Maintenance Zone could be ticketed and towed to an impound yard. Parking tickets and towing fees are the responsibility of the vehicle owner. The fine for a Notice of Violation is $120 for parking in an active Winter Maintenance Zone. Impound and towing fees may also apply. FMG Energy Services administers the towing and impound fees.
FMG Energy Services accepts cash, debit and all major credit cards. |
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My vehicle has been towed from an active Winter Maintenance Zone. Where is my vehicle and how much will it cost to retrieve it? | ||||||||||||||
Towing services are provided by an independent, third-party company. All questions and arrangements related to towing and impound services should be directed to the company below. Towing companyFMG Energy Services Approximately 3 km past the airport turn off, turn right at the Auto-Wreckers sign. PhoneCall 780-838-0929 seven days per week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Office hours
Arrangements can be made to pick up a vehicle after hours by calling FMG Energy Services at 780-838-0929. FeesFMG Energy Services administers the towing and impound fees.
FMG Energy Services accepts cash, debit and all major credit cards. |
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Why is 2.5 hours the average vehicle towing time? | ||||||||||||||
The towing time on invoices begins once the towing contractor leaves their location to travel to site. Once on-site, the following tasks are performed:
Storage fees are also applied to the invoice. |
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What happens to the money collected from ticketing, towing and impounding vehicles? | ||||||||||||||
Ticket fines are collected through the Municipal Law Enforcement. Funds from ticketing revenue are returned to the Municipality's general revenue, which are then used to recover costs for municipal programs. An independent, third-party company performs towing and impound services for Winter Maintenance Zones. The Municipality does not perform this function and therefore does not generate any revenue from towing or impound services. |
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Why do crews leave a windrow at the end of my driveway? | ||||||||||||||
Snow is plowed to the right-hand side to clear roads and keep them safe. With regular residential plowing, residents may notice small windrows accumulating along the sides of roads and at the end of their driveway. Crews are removing windrows that are higher than 15 cm and have been created by a snowplow in an active Subzone. Windrow removal only applies to residential streets included in the WMZ program. Windrow removal is intended to help residents clear their driveways when a larger than normal windrow is left from a plow in an active Winter Maintenance Zone. It is still each resident's responsibility to clear snow from their driveway, including the windrow at the end of their driveway (unless it is larger than 15 cm and created from a plow in an active Subzone). This approach is modelled after best practices from other municipalities in Alberta. Residents are encouraged to clear snow from their driveway a short time after snowfall or road maintenance. As we live in a northern community, sub-zero temperatures are common and can make the snow harder to clear as the temperatures drop. Residents are reminded that when shoveling driveways, sidewalks or windrows, snow cannot be placed back onto the road. Snow can be put on lawns or right-of-ways, out of the way of traffic and pedestrians. |
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I am a senior and need assistance clearing snow from my driveway. What can I do? | ||||||||||||||
The Snow Angels Program a volunteer service is available for seniors 65 years and older. | ||||||||||||||
Will the municipality be removing snow from alleyways? | ||||||||||||||
Yes. However, we are unable to plow snow without pushing it up against fences and garage doors. So, alleyways require snow removal instead of just snow plowing. Snow removal typically begins in January on primary and secondary roads, followed by alleyways. | ||||||||||||||
What's the difference between snow plowing and snow removal? | ||||||||||||||
Snow plowingSnow is pushed from the roadway to the sides of the road or the center to maintain at least one traffic lane and space for on-street parking. This process is not as time consuming as snow removal, so it happens more often. Snow removalSnow is loaded into trucks and hauled to storage sites. This is more time consuming and costly than snow plowing, so it happens less frequently. |
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What part do I play in snow and ice clearing? | ||||||||||||||
Residents and commercial businesses are responsible for clearing the sidewalks adjacent to their property, in accordance with Bylaw 21/010. Municipal crews will clear any snow that they place on sidewalks during winter maintenance operations. Residents are also responsible to clear snow from their driveways, including the windrow at the end of their driveway. This approach is modelled after best-practices from other municipalities in Alberta. Snow and ice must be immediately removed if a property has any kind of building adjacent to or erected within three metres of any public place. Accumulated snow or ice on the roof poses a danger and must be immediately removed with due precaution taken to warn and protect passersby. If any premises has an awning extending to any degree over a public place, it must be kept free of snow and ice; if water does drip from the awing, the owner/occupant/tenant must clean it up to prevent ice from forming. |
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Does the municipality use salt on roadways? | ||||||||||||||
The municipality may use minimal sand or salt in residential areas after plowing if conditions warrant. The standard practice is to sand the intersections only. In other municipalities where only salt is used, lawns come back every spring with a little raking, water and fertilizer. The municipality uses minimal salt because it only works in temperatures down to -14°C. Instead, we use a sand mixture treated with calcium chloride, which adheres to road surfaces and works in temperatures colder than -15°C. |
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My car is parked on the street. When it's plugged in, can the extension cord run across the sidewalk? | ||||||||||||||
No. It is not permitted to have an extension cord on the surface of sidewalks. However, extension cords may be suspended above sidewalks, no less than 2.4 metres – between Nov. 1 and Mar. 30. This will ensure safety of pedestrians, and also allow for residents to keep their vehicles plugged in during winter months. | ||||||||||||||
Why is there a bylaw for extension cords on sidewalks? | ||||||||||||||
Extension cords that are running across sidewalks are a hazard for snow removal crews, as well as for pedestrians and homeowners. To avoid injury to people or damage to equipment, cables need to be visible. | ||||||||||||||
What is the distance across my property that the municipality has right-of-way? | ||||||||||||||
A right-of-way is a type of easement or access reserved over the land for transportation purposes and can be used for a sidewalk, utility, or the road itself. This property is owned by the municipality and the width of right-of-ways is based on our Engineering Servicing Standards. Many factors are taken into consideration when calculating this width and can vary based on location and road classification. | ||||||||||||||
Does the RMWB have a snow-clearing policy? | ||||||||||||||
Council approved the latest version of the Urban Ice and Snow Control Program Policy (OPE – 150) on Oct. 10, 2023. The purpose of the policy is to set winter snow and ice control standards. It helps ensure that municipal roads and sidewalks are maintained to:
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