What is the Town’s role in snow and ice maintenance on roadways?
- The Town maintains all roads in Olds, excluding Hwy 27 and Hwy 2A, that fall within Town limits. During the winter, staff work to prepare and respond to snow events as directed by the Winter Maintenance Procedure.
Will there be parking bans?
- Yes. When a plow campaign is triggered a parking ban will be in place. On-street parking restrictions are in place during plowing so our crews can clear snow more quickly and leave streets tidier and impacted by snow. Alerts will be sent out.
When will residential plowing begin?
- A residential plowing campaign will be triggered when mobility is negatively impacted, with triggering factors including, but not limited to snowfall, forecast, freeze/thaw cycles and snowpack.
How can I find out when plowing or clearing activities will occur?
- We will post updates on social media, will place signage in your community and send notification alerts via email.
- Sign up to receive alerts by email
- Watch for No Parking signs around your neighborhood. Signs are placed at neighborhood entrances.
- Red and Purple are designated snow routes and therefore will not have additional signage.
Who clears mailboxes?
- Canada Post clears snow in front of community mailboxes. Visit the Canada Post website to submit an online request to have an area cleared.
Which roads get cleared first?
- Roads are addressed based on a priority system to ensure the highest traffic roadways are maintained first. Priorities are established to provide the greatest benefit to much of the travelling public.
- Purple – Uptowne Core, Parking Lots
- Red – Emergency Services, Main Collectors, Schools
- Yellow – Secondary Collectors
- Green – Residential
What if my area is prone to flooding?
Preventative measures will be taken to mitigate flooding risks during spring melt. These measures include clearing of catch basin covers, removal of excessive amounts of snow in drainage ditches, or other key areas, and the de-icing of culverts using steaming techniques. If you are having issues, please submit a request via our Report a Problem service.
What are my responsibilities when it comes to clearing snow?
- Removing your vehicle from the street during or in advance of heavy snowfall. Doing so will allow snow removal equipment to move through as quickly as possible.
- Wait for signage and prepare for plowing to take place soon thereafter.
- Clear the sidewalk adjacent to your property. Do not shovel snow onto the road.
- Always grant right of way to snow removal equipment. Stay back and give operators as much room as possible.
- Be patient! Staff work hard to ensure roads are clear and safe for travel and do their best with the resources and personnel available.
How do we prevent slippery roads?
- The Town applies a non-toxic sand-salt mixture to key roadways to help keep them safe during snow and ice conditions. Sand improves traction so vehicles can grip the road, while salt helps melt ice when temperatures allow. The two work together to reduce slippery conditions and improve driving safety.
Are back lanes/alleys plowed?
- Back lanes and alleys are not regularly plowed. Areas which experience high drift conditions will be addressed as required.
- If you believe an alley or back lane has become a public safety concern, please submit a request via our Report A Problem service.
Where do I find information about Parks, Trails, & Pathway Winter Maintenance?
- Visit our Trails and Pathways webpage for more information.