Council establishes Rural Snow and Ice Control Policy

RMWB Council approved the first formal Rural Snow and Ice Control Policy at the Special Council Meeting on Oct. 13, 2026. The new policy will help make rural winter maintenance more reliable and timely while supporting operational improvements. 

Winter maintenance is done regularly in all rural communities in the region but there has never been a formal snow and ice control policy in place like the Fort McMurray Urban Service Area. The establishment of a rural policy sets formal service timelines, priorities and standards, helping bring more consistency to operations and giving residents clear expectations.

After a challenging winter, feedback was collected from rural residents and community partners to inform the new policy and operational improvements. Review the What We Heard Report and learn more at rmwb.ca/ruralsnow.  

Priority routes and service timelines

The new policy establishes formal priority routes and service timelines under normal weather conditions.

More snow removal

The new policy supports snow removal twice a season on rural residential roads when conditions warrant. Crews will remove large snowbanks blocking sightlines along streets.      

If this winter brings heavy snowfall again, expect to see more snow removal and quicker response times with standards now set in the policy and additional resources planned for in advance. Prior to the policy, it was not standard to include snow removal in rural operational plans ahead of the season.

Driveway windrow removal

Windrows (snowbanks) created from a plow that are 15 cm or greater will be removed from the end of driveways within 12 hours. Residents are responsible for clearing windrows less than 15 cm from the end of their driveway within 48 hours after the plow has gone by.   

Rural businesses and properties on priority two and three routes are responsible for clearing windrows at the end of their driveways.   

Sidewalk clearing  

Residents and organizations are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their property within 48 hours of a snowfall.

The new policy sets service timelines and priorities for clearing municipal sidewalks and trails not adjacent to private property.

• Priority one – municipal sidewalks and trails around schools, RMWB buildings and amenities and emergency facilities will be cleared within 48 hours after a snowfall
• Priority two – all other municipal sidewalks and trails along residential streets will be cleared within four days after a snowfall. 
• Priority three – all other municipal sidewalks and trails on non-residential streets will be cleared within seven days after a snowfall. 

Help keep your street clear and accessible

Everyone plays a role in keeping their neighbourhood streets clear and accessible during winter. Please do your part by following these requirements: 

• Place snow from your driveway and walkway onto your yard. Never shovel or push snow onto the road, ditch, a neighbour’s property or around fire hydrants. 
• Lend a helping hand to neighbours who may need assistance shoveling. 
• Put your garbage and recycling bins out the morning of your collection day. Place bins in front of windrows and remove them the same day they’re picked up.
• Remove curb mats, basketball/hockey nets and any personal items from the curb to help prevent future delays and damage.  
• Keep a safe distance from equipment and follow all posted signage.

Bylaw Services is increasing education and enforcement of the Community Standards Bylaw with voluntary compliance the goal.

To learn more about winter maintenance in the rural communities within the region, visit rmwb.ca/snowplow.

For questions, contact Pulse at 743-7000, 1-800-973-9663 or online at rmwb.ca/pulse.

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