How Winter Maintenance Zones Work
Throughout the winter, WMZs will be relaxed and activated, depending on the need for maintenance and to allow more options for on-street parking. For weeks your subzone is activated, on-street parking restrictions are in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. only on your designated day for maintenance.
If your subzone is relaxed, on-street parking restrictions are NOT in effect and you can park on the street without being ticketed or towed. Efforts are being made to keep the schedule consistent for the activation of each subzone. Typically, your subzone will be active every second week, meaning you need to move your vehicle off the street twice a month.
It is still important to check the status of your subzone every week during the winter. The current status of subzones is noted below.
Current Status
From Oct. 15 to April 15, on-street parking restrictions may be in effect on residential streets in Fort McMurray to allow for snow plowing and snow removal operations. If you live on a residential street included in the Winter Maintenance Zone program, there are permanent "no parking" signposts in place that show your Winter Maintenance Zone (WMZ); also known as your subzone. The signs will show the one day of the week you can't park on the street (if your subzone is active).
Towing company
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.
FMG Energy Services
133 MacDonald Crescent. Google Map
Phone
Call 780-838-0929 seven days per week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office hours
- Monday through Friday – 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Holidays – 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Arrangements can be made to pick up a vehicle after hours by calling FMG Energy Services at 780-838-0929.
Resources and Frequently Asked Questions
You can keep up to date on the status of WMZs in the following ways.
- View WMZ alerts
- Download a copy of the Winter Maintenance Zones Brochure
- Watch for updates on electronic signs at the entrance of each neighbourhood
- Follow the RMWB on Facebook and Twitter
- Contact PULSE
| How do I know if I am included in the Winter Maintenance Zones program? |
| Use the “Find Your Zone” Tool (above) and enter your street address to find out if you are included in the Winter Maintenance Zones program.
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 in the WMZ program because of their priority status. |
| I know I'm included in the Winter Maintenance Zones program. But what's my subzone? |
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To learn your subzone, check the permanent “no parking” signposts on your street, or use the “Find Your Zone” online tool (above) and enter your street address. |
| My subzone was activated but my street didn't receive maintenance. Why? |
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Occasionally your subzone may be activated, but no winter maintenance will happen on your street. This usually happens when crews are removing snow or there are multiple vehicles parked in active subzones, slowing down progress and causing areas to be missed. New snowfall, emergencies, or other unexpected delays may also result in challenges with scheduling. Winter maintenance is always scheduled based on the condition of roads. This means if your street didn’t receive maintenance the last time your subzone was active, it will be tracked and scheduled for future maintenance. |
| How does driveway windrow removal work? |
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Windrows (snowbanks) created from a plow that are higher than 15 cm are being removed from the end of driveways in active subzones (also known as Winter Maintenance Zones or WMZs). The decision to help residents remove larger than normal windrows was made after reviewing the results from the Winter Maintenance public engagement and the daily feedback received. Residents are responsible for clearing windrows smaller than 15 cm from their driveways within 48 hours after winter maintenance has occurred. The busier streets that aren't included in the WMZ program receive winter maintenance more frequently, resulting in smaller windrows that residents are responsible for removing. |
| Who is responsible for clearing the sidewalk in my neighbourhood? |
| Sidewalks and walkways next to your home are your responsibility and must be cleared within 48 hours after a snowfall. |
| I have mobility challenges. Can someone help me clear my driveway or walkway? |
| Community members with mobility challenges who need help shoveling can register for the Snow Angels program. |
| How can I help community members in my neighbourhood who have trouble clearing their driveway and sidewalk? |
| You can become a Snow Angel! Volunteers are always needed every winter. Sign up and you can help clear a path through winter for community members in need! |
| How can I give feedback on winter maintenance? |
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If you have questions or feedback about winter maintenance operations, you may submit them via Pulse by calling 780-743-7000 or sending an email to pulse@rmwb.ca. Feedback and relevant inquiries will be passed on to the Roads department. |
| How do I learn more about the Winter Maintenance program? |
| The Winter Maintenance program was designed using feedback from residents and is aligned with the Urban Ice and Snow Control Policy approved by Council in 2016. To learn more, visit Snow Clearing FAQs. |