High River Gears Up for Winter – Reminders and Safety Tips for Residents

Logo of Town of High River

by Town of High River

25/10/2024

Community

High River Gears Up for Winter – Reminders and Safety Tips for Residents

HIGH RIVER – The snowy season is approaching, and Town staff are ready to take action to keep our roads and pathways safe and clear. As soon as snowfall occurs, the Town begins preparations to sand, salt, plow streets, and move snow from roadways and pathways in partnership with Summit Property Group.

The Town operates a fleet of three plow units, two loaders, and a grader to tackle snow removal effectively. A snow-clearing priority system ensures our highest-traffic roadways are cleared first.

Crews work hard to clear snow as quickly and efficiently as possible. You can help plow operators stay on schedule by parking your vehicle off the street while roads are cleared.

For more information about High River's snow and ice control plan, visit the Snow and Ice Control section of the website.

Winter brings beauty and fun activities and events to High River. Below are some safety tips and reminders for residents as the weather can change quickly.

Be a Good Neighbour:

Remember to be a Good Neighbour! To keep walkways safe, all businesses and residents are responsible for clearing snow and ice from privately owned sidewalks, walkways, parking lots, and vacant properties within 24 hours of a snowfall. Please ensure that all cleared snow stays on your property—avoid pushing it onto streets or your neighbor’s property.

If you know anyone needing help, High River has a Snow Angel Program, and volunteers are always appreciated!

Practice Ice Safety:

Winter brings fun activities, but fluctuating temperatures can make water bodies dangerous. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Avoid ice during warm spells, as it melts and becomes unsafe.
  • Supervise children and keep pets on a leash when near ice.
  • Only skate on lakes with ice thicker than 20 cm; avoid streams.
  • Clear blue/black ice is the strongest; white or grey ice is unsafe.

If you fall through the ice:

  • Stay calm, call for help, and dial 9-1-1.
  • Kick to swim out, roll away from the hole, and crawl back to shore.

If you witness an ice emergency:

  • Call 9-1-1.
  • Don't approach the hole—use something to extend to the person for rescue.
  • Get medical help and only go on the ice with flotation support.

Visit the Ice Safety section of the website for more details.

- 30 -

For more information:

Town of High River
403-652-2110

Back to All News Subscribe Now