Snow and Ice Control
Snow and ice control is important to reduce hazards and provide reasonable winter mobility on roads, sidewalks and pathways.
The town of High River is prepared for the upcoming winter season, and we want to ensure you understand how we maintain safe roads, sidewalks, and pathways. Our Snow & Ice Control Policy (POL-0047) sets out our service levels, priorities, and your role as a resident in keeping our community moving. On this page, you’ll find how we prepare for winter weather, how the snow-clearing process works under the policy, and how you can support these efforts to keep High River safe this winter.
Preparing for Winter:
The Town’s Public Works begin preparing before the first snowfall. Here's what you need to know:
- Winter equipment and plows have been serviced and are ready to go.
- Beet juice brine will be used in the Downtown area to help reduce salt use and improve traction.
- Town staff will clear snow based on a priority system that can be found below.
Snow Clearing Priority Routes:
Priority 1 - Cleared within 24 hours of snowfall:
- Major roads such as MacLeod Trail, Centre Street, and High Country Drive.
- Emergency vehicle and school zones.
- Busy intersections, hills, and corners.
- Downtown core roads.
During heavy snowfall, Priority 1 routes may be cleared multiple times before moving on to other areas.
Priority 2 - Cleared within 48 hours of snowfall:
- Intersections, hills, and remaining playground zones.
- Areas reported by RCMP.
- Remaining Town facilities and the Happy Trail pathway system.
During heavy snowfall, Priority 1 routes may be cleared multiple times before moving on to other areas.
Priority 3 - Residential areas:
- Cleared on an as-needed basis once Priority 1 and 2 routes are cleared.
During heavy snowfall, Priority 1 routes may be cleared multiple times before moving on to other areas.
Residential Responsibilities & Winter Safety:
Everyone has a role in keeping High River safe during winter. The weather can change quickly, and storms can last several days. Please do your part to stay safe and help your neighbours. Please remember:
- Clear snow and ice from sidewalks, walkways, parking lots, and vacant properties within 24 hours of snow falling.
- Park vehicles off the driving laneways whenever possible to help snowplows clear the road.
- Keep snow on your property and do not push it onto streets or lanes.
- Be a good neighbour and check on those who may need help.
During winter storms:
- Avoid unnecessary travel and drive according to conditions if travel is essential.
- Wear high-visibility clothing and watch for pedestrians, especially near schools and intersections.
- Stay away from storm ponds, rivers, and lakes. Ice may look solid, but it can be dangerous. Visit our Ice Safety page for more details.
Snow Angels Program:
Need help clearing snow, or want to lend a hand? The Snow Angels Program connects residents who need assistance with volunteers who can help. How It Works:
- The program runs from October 15 to April 30
- If you need help, contact the FCSS Resource Centre to request a Snow Angel or to pick up a Snow Angel sign for your yard.
- Volunteers can look for Snow Angel signs in their neighbourhood and help shovel nearby sidewalks and driveways.
- Anyone can be a Snow Angel – individuals, families, or community groups!
- Please note that placing a sign does not guarantee that snow will be cleared, and vocational snow removal is not included.
Contact: FCSS Resource Centre – 403.652.8620 or via email at fcss@highriver.ca.
Weekend Snow Clearing & Pathways:
During weekends, there will be a single pass completed through the Happy Trails system. Public Works staff will clear the remaining sections on Monday morning.
If you would like to share a concern or incident, please use our online Report a Concern form to let us know of any issues, concerns, or kudos to our hard-working crews.
Learn More:
Downtown Snow and Ice Control:
The Downtown area received extra attention to keep roads, sidewalks, and parking areas clear. Here's what you need to know:
- Public Works starts clearing snow downtown before 8:00 AM every day when needed.
- Sanding, salting, and plowing occur as soon as snowfall happens, depending on how much snow falls and the conditions.
- During ongoing snowfall, clearing may be delayed until the snow stops.
- Residents and businesses must clear sidewalks, walkways, and parking lots within 24 hours after snowfall.
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.
Good Neighbour Bylaw:
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.
We're here to help, contact us!
publicworks@highriver.ca
(403) 652-2110
2025 Public Works Resident Playbook Maps Report a Concern