Winter road maintenance
How the City clears snow, which streets come first, and how you can help.
The City’s trucks and plows keep roads safe and passable, and crews can work around the clock during a major snowfall. Priorities and timelines are set in the Snow Removal PolicyPDF.
Which streets are cleared first
Crews follow priority routes. In heavy, continuing snow they keep the first-priority routes open, and move on to other streets once the storm eases. Clearing every street can take several days, and six days or more after a major snowfall.
Is your street a priority route? Look up your address.
Sidewalks
The City clears some sidewalks on a priority system, starting with selected sidewalks downtown, once streets are in good enough shape to free up operators.
Snow clearing and you
- Clear snow and ice from the full width of the sidewalks around your property within 24 hours after a storm ends, where the City doesn’t clear them. If you’re away, ask someone to do it.
- Shovel snow onto your own property, not onto the road or sidewalk, and don’t block the view from driveways.
- Keep storm drains clear of leaves and snow to prevent flooding, and clear snow from around fire hydrants near you.
- Park off the street during and just after a storm, so plows can clear to the curb.
- Help elderly or disabled neighbours with their snow if you can.
Driveways and windrows
The City doesn’t remove the ridge of snow a plow leaves across a driveway, whatever its height. Corner lots often get more, because crews clear the whole intersection and the snow goes into the first driveway they reach. Snow is usually pushed to the right, so operators can rarely change where it lands.
Winter driving and walking
Driving
- Check road and weather conditions before you go, and drive only if your vehicle is equipped and you feel confident.
- Clear snow from all windows, the roof, hood and trunk.
- Slow down, leave more space and allow extra time to stop. Speed limits are set for ideal conditions.
- Look twice for people crossing.
- On black ice or in a skid, don’t brake: ease off the gas and steer where you want to go.
Walking
- Keep hoods and hats from blocking your view.
- Make eye contact with drivers and cyclists before you cross.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing at night.
- Cross at crosswalks, obey signals and don’t text while walking.
Help during big storms
During major snow events the City asks residents who have their own equipment to volunteer. Contact Public Works if you can help.
Page updated .
Based on this page on cranbrook.ca, rewritten in plain language. Fees, dates and rules can change, so confirm with the City before you rely on them.