Please take the 2021-2022 Winter Maintenance Survey, and have your say on how snow is plowed and removed from streets in Fort McMurray.
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, and receive more regular winter maintenance than residential streets included 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
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. This process is different than snow removal and since it is not as time-consuming as snow removal, it happens more frequently.
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:
- Primary routes will be plowed and sanded continuously during a snow fall.
- Secondary routes will be plowed and sanded after primary routes, followed by high-volume intersections and turning lanes.
- The first 15 metres from all stop and yield signs will be plowed to both sides of the street and sanded as required. (This will only be done after primary and secondary streets are completely plowed.)
- Snow accumulation of four centimetres or more will be removed from designated trails, sidewalks, parking lots, stairs and boardwalks within 48 hours. Aggregates and ice-melting products will be applied as required.
- Residential streets will be plowed as per the Winter Maintenance Zone schedule. Plowing will be to both sides of the street, adjacent to the curb. Driveway access is the responsibility of the resident or property owner. Learn more about the Winter Maintenance Zone program.
Snow removal
Snow removal (or snow hauling) is the process of loading snow into trucks and hauling it to storage sites. Snow removal is more time-consuming and costly than snow plowing, 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 48 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:
- Snow will be removed from Primary and Secondary routes where there is limited on-street storage.
- Snow may be hauled from residential streets when the remaining parking and driving width is reduced to 5.5 metres or less.
- Within the first 15 metres from all stop and yield signs, snow will be plowed to both sides and/or removed.
- Height of snow windrows will not exceed one meter in order to maintain sight lines and visibility.
- During snow hauling, street signs will be posted a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
- Snow removal on residential streets will be done as needed. High-density residential areas, safety concerns and sight line areas will be completed on a priority basis. Some exceptions may apply due to specific street configurations and weather trends.
Snow Clearing in Rural Hamlets
- Primary Roads are cleared within 24 hours at 1 cm accumulation.
- The response time shall be shorter than 24 hours to facilitate school runs.
- School runs are considered to occur Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 10:00 and 14:00 to 16:00 when school is normally in session.
- Secondary Roads are cleared within 48 hours at 3 cm accumulation.
- Gravel Roads are cleared within 72 hours at 4 cm accumulation.
- Driveways shall be left open from windrows for residential/commercial lots.
Snow Clearing in Fort Chipewyan
- Airport operations take priority over all other snow clearing activities.
- The service level during winter is generally bare pavement on all roads and parking lots.
- Church parking lots are serviced once per week or per snow fall.
- Sidewalks are cleared per snow fall.
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 adjacent 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.