‘While we’re having this nice weather . . . we’re ready to go should the snow begin,’ said Chris Hewitt, the city’s manager of mobility maintenance
Light snow is expected in the foothills next week, according to Environment Canada, although a heavier dump isn’t in the cards yet. Brian Proctor, a meteorologist with the weather agency, said Calgary’s winter is forecast to be cooler with more snowfall.
Given the unpredictability of Calgary’s weather, the city says it’s equipped to handle any contingencies.
“We have this winter season just over 100 snowplows, about 30 graders, 30 pieces of smaller equipment, as well as several loaders,” Hewitt said, adding the snowplows will feature blue lights to increase visibility.
The city will also apply its new winter policy this season, which includes clearing snow along pathways and community roadways more quickly, while imposing fines for residents who shovel snow from their driveways onto roads or pathways.
The new policy, which was unanimously approved by the city’s infrastructure and planning committee earlier this year, says Priority 2 pathways — arterial roads and transit routes — will be cleared within 24 hours, with work beginning as soon as snow falls.
However, Hewitt said that vision will not be met this year, as the city sticks to completing snow removal along Priority 2 routes within 36 hours — after crews finish work along freeways, such as Crowchild Trail and Glenmore Trail, which assume a higher priority.
“That would be a few-year project,” he said of meeting the 24-hour goal.
Fines to be in effect for residents breaking snow-clearing bylaws
The city will also fine residents $250 for a first offence of breaking the snow-clearing bylaws, and impose a minimum $150 charge for city staff to shovel sidewalks that aren’t cleared as required by residents.
Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot said in an earlier interview there’s an understandable perception of city hypocrisy, given how plowing crews sometimes create disruptive windrows when clearing snow, even sometimes blocking sidewalks.
But he said too many residents shovel snow that blocks parked vehicles or impedes pedestrians.
“Some of these folks have no real regard for their neighbours — they shouldn’t be allowed to create their own unique (parking) spots,” said Chabot.
Hewitt said Wednesday that crews are trying harder to avoid creating windrows while clearing congested spots that create difficulties for pedestrians or cyclists.
“We are being very conscious of removing those windrows,” he said.
$17 million allotted for snow removal until December
The city has allotted $55 million for its snow removal efforts in 2024, $38 million of which has already been used, leaving the city with $17 million until the end of December.
Hewitt said he’s confident the remaining resources will suffice, adding the city can also dip into $6 million in its snow-clearing reserves. The cap for the reserves was increased by $7 million to $22 million this year.
— With files from Bill Kaufmann