During snowfall, before the seven-day plan is activated, crews are preparing equipment and materials and working on major routes.
The work on majors includes plowing snow in through lanes and applying anti-icing material to Calgary’s highest-traffic routes.
Day 1(0 - 18 hours after snowfall end)
Crews spend the first 18 hours plowing and clearing snow on Calgary’s busiest routes, which include:
- Calgary’s busiest major roadways. Roads with over 20,000 vehicle trips per day, such as Crowchild Trail and Macleod Trail.
(Please note: Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail are maintained by the Province) - Downtown roads and cycle tracks (walking and wheeling lanes)
Additionally, within 24 hours of snowfall end, The City also clears:
- Prioritized pathways
- Sidewalks bordering City-owned properties
- Pedestrian bridges, vehicle bridges, LRT platforms and other public properties with high-volume foot traffic
- Approximately 1,300 high-use bus stops
For a map of priority routes, visit the Snow and Ice Control Priority Routes map.
Day 2 (18 - 36 hours after snowfall end)
Crews spend the next 18 hours of our priority plan focused on high-volume community and transit routes. Priorities include plowing driving lanes/through lanes (not curb or parking lanes) and piling it roadside. Priority 2 routes include:
- Major Community and Transit routes - Roads with more than 5000 vehicles per day
- Intersections and crosswalks controlled by traffic lights
- Designated emergency routes (e.g. around hospitals and fire stations)
- Bus routes
- Roads with on-street bike lanes
- Trouble spots
Days 3-7
Once crews have completed work on our major routes we shift focus onto other lower volume routes and duties. Work during this stage includes:
- Remove barriers of snow and ice at important intersections along major routes
- Finishing work on major routes (turn lanes, on/off ramps)
- Levelling ruts in residential areas, if needed. Please note, The City does not clear snow from residential streets.
- Clearing bus stops and designated feeder/collector routes that connect Priority 2 routes.
Calgary residents can report snow and ice concerns through the City's 311 service to ensure public spaces remain safe and accessible during the winter. Here's how you can report issues and what to keep in mind:
What You Can Report
- Roads, Cycle Tracks, and Sidewalks: Report using the “Snow and Ice on Road” service request.
- Calgary Transit Property: For snow or ice on LRT platforms, bus stops, or Park and Ride lots, use the “Snow on Transit Property” request.
- City Pathways: Report using the "Snow and Ice on City Pathways" service request.
- City Park Roadway/Parking Lot: Report using the "Snow and Ice in Park" service request.
- Sidewalks Beside Private Property: Report uncleared sidewalks bordering private properties after 24 hours of snowfall using the “Snow on Sidewalk Adjacent to Private Property” service request.
How to Report
- Online: Go to calgary.ca/311
- Mobile App: Download the 311 app to report concerns conveniently.
- Phone: Call 3-1-1.
Important Notes
- Check the City’s snow clearing map before reporting to ensure the area is maintained by the City.
- Provide specific details, such as street addresses or transit stop numbers, to help crews address issues efficiently.
By reporting snow and ice concerns promptly, Calgarians can help maintain safe conditions throughout the city.
