TAMRMS#: B06
10.3
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Snow Removal Conditions
Notice given by: Councillor Clark
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PROPOSED MOTION(S):
recommendation
That Administration prepare amendments to the Community Standards Bylaw for Council’s consideration on or before October 20, 2026 regarding the following:
- Requiring residents to clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 48 hours of a snowfall event or ice formation, or apply traction material when ice removal is not possible;
- Adding clarification regarding what snow and ice accumulation means; and
- Clarifying the conditions under which snow may be removed from sidewalks and placed onto adjacent roadways.
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ADMINISTRATION’S UNDERSTANDING OF THE INTENT OF THE MOTION
Administration understands that the intent of this motion is to draft and present amendments for Council’s consideration that would increase clarity for property owners on the requirement and standards for maintaining snow and ice on public sidewalks that are alongside and adjoining their property. The amendments overall are intended to ensure further clarity and ensure that private landowner responsibilities are in alignment with City standards and service levels for sidewalk and trail snow/ice removal.
PURPOSE OF REPORT
The purpose of this report is to present a motion for which Councillor Clark gave notice on March 10, 2026.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
N/A
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Property owner requirements related to snow and ice control on sidewalks are currently governed and outlined in section 6 of the Community Standards Bylaw 12/2010.
The main provisions currently state that:
- Property owners must remove any dangerous condition caused by snow or ice, on public sidewalks that are adjoining and adjacent to the land they own/occupy, within 48 hrs from when the dangerous condition was formed.
- A dangerous snow/ice condition means, in the opinion of a peace officer, any condition that may cause someone to slip, trip, or fall.
- Some examples of dangerous conditions on a sidewalk include, but are not limited to, slippery ice formation, loose or packed snow that is in excess of 30cm, or significantly uneven packed snow.
- Where a building abuts a sidewalk and there is no boulevard, snow is permitted to be placed on a roadway provided that it does not cause an obstruction or dangerous roadway condition.
- The above offences carry a specified penalty of $250. Where repeat offences take place, officers can summon a person to court, where a judge can impose a higher fine amount if they are found or plead guilty to the charge.
In the 2025/2026 winter season to date there have been 271 complaints received for dangerous sidewalk condition violations.
Of these complaints, only four property owners failed to comply with a notice to remedy the condition. Overall, only one ticket was required to be issued to gain compliance, and there were no instances where the City had to remove the dangerous condition and charge the expenses back to the property owner.
From an enforcement perspective, Administration considers the current bylaw to be clear in outlining property owner responsibilities when it comes to removal of dangerous conditions caused by snow and ice. At the same time, Administration does recognize that there are opportunities to further strengthen both internal and external communication to support consistent enforcement practices and encourage proactive compliance across the community.
Council Policy C-IS-01 (Snow and Ice Control) and section E.2.1 (Snow Removal) of the Service Level Inventory outline the snow clearing standards for the sidewalks and trails that the City is responsible for. When it comes to sidewalk, this policy generally outlines that:
- when possible, Priority 1 sidewalks (river valley trails, St Albert Place & Transit Terminals), are swept to bare concrete or pavement within 8 hrs after 1cm of snowfall.
- when possible, Priority 2 sidewalks (arterial sidewalk and trails, collector sidewalks and trails, bus stops) are plowed within 48 hrs after 2 to 5 cm of snow has accumulated.
- when possible, Priority 3 sidewalks (internal trails and connector sidewalks) are plowed within 72 hrs after accumulation of 2 to 5 cm of snow. At the discretion of the Manager of Operations, not all Priority 3 sidewalks may be plowed.
The above policy does not specifically address, outline, or direct ice control on sidewalks; however, it is the practice of Public Operations to spread sand/gravel and address public complaints related to slippery sidewalk/trail conditions.
IMPACTS OF MOTION
Financial:
None at this time.
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
None at this time.
Organizational:
Drafting amendments for Council consideration by October 2026 will not create significant impacts for Administration.
Risks
Council consideration for increasing regulations or standards related to snow and ice control for property owners may create increased public debate or demand for increasing the service levels that the City provides for trails and sidewalks.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
None at this time.
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
F.2.3 Municipal Enforcement - Responding to public complaints and enforcing select municipal bylaws and provincial statutes. This includes, but is not limited to, community standards enforcement, animal control, parking enforcement, as well as the Traffic Safety Act and portions of the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Act.
ALTERNATIVES
If Council does not wish to support the proposed motion, Administration presents the following alternatives for Council’s consideration.
Alternative 1:
That Administration review its public education and awareness campaign related to property owner responsibilities for snow and ice control on sidewalks, and where appropriate and within the existing resources increase communications related to the same.
Financial:
None at this time, as this alternative is planned to be kept within the existing budget.
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
None at this time.
Organizational:
Reviewing bylaw and public education/awareness will have limited impacts on resourcing.
Risks
Increasing education and awareness on existing bylaw provisions and regulations could have a positive impact on proactive compliance; however, it may also increase public complaints and demands for enforcement services.
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Report Date: April 7, 2026
Author: Aaron Giesbrecht
Department: Policing Services
Department Director: Aaron Giesbrecht
Managing Director: Diane McMordie
Chief Administrative Officer: William Fletcher