Public Works crews work alongside contractors to clear priority routes, the downtown and designated pathways along with public sidewalks and walkways. During prolonged and heavy snowfall, priority routes may need ongoing attention to keep them safe.

Priority 1 roads (Cleared within 24 hours of a snowfall):

• Major roads such as Macleod Trail, Center Street and High Country Drive.
• School bus and emergency vehicle routes.
• Busy intersections, hills and corners.
• Contractors are in place to clear the downtown sidewalks and some major roads.

During prolonged and heavy snowfall, priority routes may need ongoing attention to keep them safe.

Priority 2 roads (Cleared within 48 hours):

• Areas reported by RCMP.
• Intersections, corners, hills, school zones, and playground zones.
• Remaining Town Facilities.
• Happy Trails

Priority 3 routes:

Includes all other residential areas. These routes will be cleared on an as-needed basis once Priority 1 and 2 routes are cleared.

Windrows

To maintain driving lanes, crews use “flat-blading," which results in a build-up of snow along the side of a roadway. This snow buildup is called a windrow. While this is good for motorists, the snow left over after crews have flat-bladed can create some extra work for property owners.

• Plow operators operate on a strict schedule as they move from one neighbourhood to the next.
• They make every attempt to keep driveways clear or keep windrows as small as possible by evenly distributing the snow on either side of the road.
• To enable crews to remain on schedule, property owners are responsible for removing the snow from their driveways and sidewalks.
• After heavy snowfalls, windrows can build up. Under extreme circumstances, windrows will be removed in accordance with the Town’s approved Snow and Ice Control Policy.

At times, snowplows may place excess snow on grass boulevards between roads and sidewalks. Please do not remove this snow; it will be transported as soon as crews are available.

It's important to remember that we live in Alberta, where the weather can change quickly, and winter storms can be widespread and last for longer than a day or two.

• Everyone is strongly encouraged to stay home and stay safe during winter storms.
• Stay clear from storm ponds, rivers, and lakes. While they may look frozen, the ice may be unsafe. Visit our Ice Safety Page for more information.
• Wear high-visibility clothing and make sure kids are safe around roads and intersections!
• If you are out, please adjust your driving conditions and consider reducing travel distance and speed and increasing the following distance.
• Visibility will be poor at times, and poor weather conditions will persist during this winter storm. Drive slowly, especially in school and playground zones and near crosswalks and intersections.

Lastly, be a Good Neighbour! See the section below on residential and commercial responsibilities to clear snow within 24 hours to keep sidewalks in front of your properties safe for pedestrians.

The Good Neighbour Bylaw requires that to keep walkways safe; residents are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks in front of their homes within 24 hours of snowfall.

• Snow and ice from private property must be contained in your own green space and not plowed onto the public roads. This helps ensure roads are clear from any excess snow and are safe to travel after the town has plowed the roads.
• As roads are cleared, excess snow will be moved onto grass boulevards. Please DO NOT move this snow; it will be transported once crews are available.

If you are unable to remove snow, please make arrangements with friends, neighbours or contractors. Snow and ice removal is important for everyone’s safety. High River's Snow Angel Program is administered through the Town's Family and Community Support Services (FCSS). Volunteers are appreciated.

Commercial property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from their privately owned sidewalks, walkways and parking lots within 24 hours of a snowfall. This includes vacant properties.

High River's Town Council has directed that clearing downtown sidewalks after every snowfall is a priority in order to maintain access to businesses in this area.

High River's Downtown is maintained each year through a contracted service, enabling Town crews to focus on priority roads.

• Downtown Snow Removal Map

• Snow and Ice Control Policy