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SIDEWALKS - FAQ

Q: Why isn’t everyone required to remove snow on their sidewalks?

  1. They are now, except for certain properties along downtown and core sidewalks. The City will be doing a pilot program and taking over snow removal on certain downtown sidewalks and alleys as well as other core sidewalks. Please see the general sidewalk information above for a map of which sidewalks are under the new program. Everywhere else in the City, people will now be required to clear their own sidewalks.


Q: Who clears which sidewalks? Will the City Clear theirs?

  1. The city clears sidewalks in front of city property. We also clear the asphalt walking path, and the sidewalk on 5th Street W from 9th to where it ends at Lions Park, as well as on the North side of 9th Ave W from the mall to Centre Street, as well as Centre Street all the way up to 4th Ave W. The City is also doing downtown this year, but will be contracting the downtown work out. Please see the sidewalk info above for those maps. Keep in mind, that the City doesn't clear all alleys in the City, therefore the sidewalks adjoining the alleys (outside of the Downtown and Core alleys) are not prioritized for snow removal. If you see one of these sidewalks that needs clearing please feel free to do so, or send in an e-service request to the City (E-Service Request). You are required to shovel snow onto your own property, but we recognize there are situations where this isn't reasonable. In those cases (and only those cases) it may be shoveled onto a boulevard or into the street providing it doesn't cause difficulties for those using the street such as for parking.

Q: I have a rental property. Who has to shovel in front of that place?

  1. As the property owner, you are required to clear the sidewalk. It is up to you if you ask your tenants to do that service for you. If you do, keep in mind if it is not done, you as the property owner are ultimately the one responsible.


Q: What happens if I don’t clear my sidewalk?

  1. If you have a sidewalk, you are required to clear it. For the 2023-2024 winter season, the City will be doing soft enforcement which means people will receive warnings for first offences. If you don't do the work after receiving a warning, you may receive a fine and/or an Order to Remedy to complete the snow removal. If you don't pay the fine you could end up being summoned to court. If you don't comply with an order to remedy, the City may have the work done and bill it back to you. Unpaid bills may also be added to property taxes.

Q: My property is along the walking path, do I need to clear the snow?

  1. The city will be clearing the ASPHALT portions of the new walking path only. Any existing concrete sidewalks that are considered connector routes to help people get from one part of the asphalt path to another (such as Bridger, the concrete portion of LaRocque, and the section of 3rd Street E from 4th Ave up to Highway #55). These areas will not be cleared by the city. Property owners along these routes are now required to clear those sidewalks.

Q: If I can't clear my sidewalk, where can I get help?

  1. There are many contractors in and around the City who can be paid to perform snow removal for you. You can ask for help from family, friends or neighbors. Community groups and friendly citizens and neighbours may also act as Snow Angels helping others in the community. The city is not keeping a list of people who need help, but we are putting together a list of both snow angels (snow removal for free or by donation), and contractors (snow removal usually for a paid fee) who we can connect you with.


Q: How can I help those in the community who are unable to shovel their sidewalks?

  1. There are a few ways to help! If you are someone who is able to offer your help, please feel free to contact city hall and let us know if you are willing for us to give our your contact information out to people who are inquiring about getting help with snow removal.
    • Snow Angels are members of the community, local non-profit or community service groups or businesses who volunteer, free of charge, to assist others with sidewalk snow removal.
    • Some community groups may also request a donation in exchange for their service, if you will be requesting a donation in exchange for services and not offering a free service, please specify that to us when you contact us.
    • If you are someone like a business who is able to offer paid contracted services for snow removal you can let us know as well, sometimes people are willing to pay for snow removal, but they simply don't know who to call or ask.