Living In A Winter City
Here are some of the everyday things you need to know about living in a winter city.
Seasonal Parking Bans
A seasonal parking ban on designated bus routes will be put into effect in Edmonton when there is a significant snowfall that requires the plowing of major roadways. A minimum of 8 hours notice will be given.
Bus Route Snow Removal
Crews are able to complete snow removal more efficiently when everyone cooperates with road maintenance crews.
Edmonton Transit Services (ETS) in Winter
ETS offers a number of winter-friendly programs:
Stop Request is a program that allows passengers to disembark at a location other than a bus stop along the route, provided the Operator deems it safe to do so. The program provides an added measure of convenience and safety for bus passengers by reducing walking distance. The program is in effect daily after 6pm. You must inform the Operator directly (do not ring the bell) at least one stop in advance of where you wish to get off. Exit by the front door once the Operator is able to safely stop the bus.
Snow Valley Snow Shuttle gets you to and from the ski hill on Fridays and during the holidays.
ETS Christmas Light Tours are held during the winter holiday season. Watch the website for information on dates and times.
Free New Year’s Eve Transit: Start your New Year on a safe note -- take transit to your New Year’s Eve celebrations. ETS free service starts at 6pm on December 31, continuing until 3:30am on January 1. Service information for the system you’ll be using is available from the ETS Trip Planner, St. Albert Transit at 780-418-6060 or Strathcona County Transit at 780-464-7433.
Money collected in ETS fare boxes on New Year’s Eve is given to the DONATE A RIDE campaign.
Both St. Albert and Strathcona County transit systems will be starting their free New Year’s Eve service at 6pm as well.
Winter Cycling
Cycling is a great way to travel more sustainably and also a perfect opportunity to stay active and adopt a healthy living lifestyle. Yes, you can continue to cycle in the wintertime. Watch the City’s video on Winter Cycling, featuring two Edmontonians who commute to work by bicycle year-round.
For bike routes and cycling information, check out the City’s page on Cycling in Edmonton. Here are some more tips on winter cycling in Edmonton:
- Tips from MEC: Winter Cycling
- Tips from RedBike: How to Continue Commuting With Your Bike During the Winter Months
- Tips from Avenue Magazine: Winter Biking 101
Winter Sidewalks
Snow that remains on sidewalks is hazardous for everyone, but especially for people with limited mobility who may be severely injured from a fall on ice or snow. Uncleared walkways also make it difficult for people who deliver services in our city - mail carriers, meter readers, delivery drivers, firefighters, and paramedics. That is why the Community Standards Bylaw requires that you clean the public walks around your property down to the pavement within 48 hours of a snowfall.
Property owners are also responsible for clearing snow from every walk and driveway on or beside a property with buildings normally occupied by people, including derelict buildings.
For more information, tips on snow removal, where to get free sand, and how to register a concern, check out the City’s page on Winter Sidewalks.
Snow Angels
We live in a winter city and snow is no stranger to Edmontonians. When it snows, City crews clear our roadways and property owners clear their sidewalks, all in an effort to keep Edmonton moving. But for some Edmontonians, particularly seniors and persons with disabilities, shovelling snow can be difficult and even dangerous. They need your help - they need a Snow Angel.
Snow Angels is an awareness and recognition program. It encourages Edmontonians to help a neighbour in need by shovelling their snow. It also acknowledges those volunteers as a City of Edmonton Snow Angel. For information on how to become a Snow Angel, check out the City’s page on Snow Angels.
Outdoor Skating Rinks and Indoor Arenas
Skaters have several choices for public outdoor ice skating surfaces in Edmonton. Citizen Services maintains both ground and pond ice rinks in the major parks. It is recommended that children or inexperienced skaters use an approved helmet while on the ice to prevent injuries. Check out the City’s page on Outdoor Skating & Ice Rinks for facility conditions and hours.
Drop in at an arena for free public skating, participate in shinny hockey, or figure skating, or register for skating or hockey lessons. Renting ice is very popular - many skating clubs, hockey teams, professional athletes, and sports groups use City ice. But did you know there are also meeting rooms, multi-purpose rooms, tournament rooms, and even a hall available in some arenas for booking as well? For schedules and facility information, check out the City’s page on Indoor Arenas.
Toboggan Hills
Feel the urge to soar down a snow-covered hill and feel the brisk wind nip your cheeks? The City of Edmonton maintains toboggan hills at several locations with safe run-outs, safety signs and reduced hazards. Check out the City’s page on Tobogganing for locations and conditions.
Snowshoeing
Explore Edmonton's winter wonderland on snowshoes. Snowshoeing, a traditional mode of transportation for Canadian Aboriginals, remains one of the best and most practical ways to travel on deep snow. Snowshoeing provides transportation for exploring, bird and wildlife viewing, or exercise.
Most City trails are packed down, so snowshoes perform best in areas that are more open, but off the beaten track, like Terwillegar Park. For other great snowshoeing locations within and around Edmonton, check out the City’s page on Snowshoeing.
Cross-Country Skiing
Edmonton's expansive river valley and parks system is a perfect cross-country skiing destination. The trails at Gold Bar/Goldstick, Kinsmen, and Snow Valley are lit at night for evening or night skiing.
For trail maps, grooming information and trail conditions check out the City’s page on Cross-County Skiing. Also see Edmonton Nordic Ski Club’s page for additional trail conditions and local cross-country ski events.
Alpine Skiing
Edmonton’s river valley is home to two alpine ski hills: Snow Valley and Edmonton Ski Club. Both locations are great for beginner and experienced skiers alike. Check out their websites for more information.
Sun Ridge Ski Area and Rabbit Hill Snow Resort also offer skiing opportunities just outside the city limits.
Dressing Warmly for Winter
Dressing for winter can be warm and fashionable! Check out tips from Silver Skate Festival and the University of Alberta’s International Student Services. For another view of what to wear in Edmonton in winter, check out Conrad’s fun, but practical, blog post You Want the Cold? You Can’t Handle the Cold!
For More Information
WinterCity Strategy
| Telephone | 780-496-3664 |
|---|---|
| wintercity@edmonton.ca |
