Community Sandboxes

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Public Engagement

This winter, Parks and Roads Services will be seeking feedback from the general public and stakeholders, to gather thoughts, perspectives, and feedback on the Community Sandbox Program.

Public feedback will be used to inform and adjust program recommendations that will be presented in a report to City Council in the spring of 2023. Based on Council’s decisions and direction, approved program changes could be in place as early as the 2023-24 winter season.

Approximate timelines for public engagement are from mid-January 2023 through early March 2023. More details about public engagement activities and opportunities will be available in mid-January.

What We Heard Report
Public feedback will be summarized in a What We Heard report that will be included as part of the Council report with Community Sandbox Program recommendations.

What is Being Considered?

Administration is conducting a review of this courtesy service to explore options to make the program more effective and efficient but also to make sure the program is still accessible to those who rely on the sandboxes to help keep their walkways safe and accessible for everyone.

The City is exploring four possible options for future program changes. Residents, stakeholders, community partners and businesses are invited to provide feedback on the current program and the possible options.

Summary of 4 options being considered

Supplementary Information

Information booklet
Four options table
Maps of four options
Map of current sandbox locations
Snow and Ice Service Levels (2022-23 Mailout)

Table Displays

Available during facility hours of operation.

Location	Date
Central Lions Recreation Centre, 11113 113 Street NW	January 30 - February 13
Londonderry Leisure Centre, 14528 66 Street NW	February 6 - 13
Prince of Wales Armouries, 10440 108 Avene NW	February 6 - 15
Mill Woods Recreation Centre, 7207 28 Avenue NW	February 6 - 10
Terwillegar Recreation Centre, 2051 Leger Rd NW	February 6 - 10
Castle Downs Twin Arena, 11520 153 Avenue NW	February 14 - 28
Oliver Arena, 10335 119 Street NW	February 14 - 28
Russ Barnes Arena, 6725 121 Avenue NW	February 16 - 28
Westwood Arena, 12040 97 Street NW	February 16 - 28
Grand Trunk Leisure Centre, 13025 112 Street NW	February 16 - 28
Eastglen Leisure Centre, 11410 68 Street NW	February 16 - 28
Jasper Place Leisure Centre, 9200 163 Street NW	February 16 - 28
Commonwealth Recreation Centre, 11000 Stadium Road NW	February 21 - 25
Muttart Conservatory, 9626 96a Street NW	February 21 - 25
City Arts Centre, 10943 83 Avenue NW	February 21 - 25
The Orange Hub, 10045 156 Street NW	February 21 - 25

Pop-Up Events

Location	Date	Time
Central Lions Recreation Centre 11113 113 Street NW	February 9	11am - Short presentation at Cuppa Corner 11am-1:30pm - Drop-in
Mill Woods Recreation Centre 7207 28 Avenue NW	February 9	5-8pm
The Orange Hub 10045 156 Street NW, Room 333	February 22	2-7pm

Engagement for Stakeholder Groups

Are you part of a community stakeholder group, special interest group or organization? If you are interested in attending an engagement session or completing a questionnaire, please email communitysandboxes@edmonton.ca for details.

What We Heard Report

Public feedback will be summarized in a What We Heard report that will be included as part of the Council report with Community Sandbox Program recommendations.

Feedback will be used to inform and adjust program recommendations that will be presented in the Council report. Based on Council’s decisions and direction, approved program changes could be in place as early as the 2023-24 winter season.

Community Sandboxes

A community sandbox The Community Sandbox program provides free dry sand (no salt) at designated community sandbox locations, as well as roadway maintenance yards, throughout winter to use on icy sidewalks and pathways. Sandboxes are located at many city facilities including recreation centres, libraries, maintenance yards, transit locations, and more than 150 Community League locations. City crews are responsible for refilling more than 700 boxes.

Residents, businesses and property owners are responsible for ensuring that sidewalks on and beside their properties are maintained all winter, to keep walkways safe and accessible for everyone. The purpose of this program is to provide convenient access to sand to use on icy sidewalks and walkways.

Find Your Nearest Sandbox

Free sand is provided during winter weather to use on your icy sidewalks and walkways. Remember to bring your own container when you visit your local community sandbox or roadway maintenance yard. We aim to refill sandboxes within 13 days following the end of snowfall.

Sand is also located within large concrete sand bins at:

Kennedale Eco Station: 5355 127 Avenue NW
Ambleside Eco Station: 14710 Ellerslie Road SW
Callingwood Recycling Depot (Arena Parking Lot): 17740 69 Avenue NW

Bins located within Eco Station locations and are available during their operating hours.

Sandboxes at Roadway Maintenance Yards

Sandboxes are available for public use at:

Roadway Maintenance Yards
Sandboxes are always located outside the yard fences. Please do not drive into the yards.

Central: 10517 95 Street
Northeast: 13003 56 Street
Northwest: 14320 114 Avenue
Southeast: 5409 59 Avenue

Program History

The Community Sandbox Program has been in operation in Edmonton for more than 30 years, with sand available at more than 700 locations.

In 2021, the Snow and Ice Audit report included a recommendation that the Community Sandbox Program be reviewed, to explore opportunities to reduce costs and create operational efficiencies.

For More Information

Winter Maintenance

Telephone	In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
Online	Winter Road Maintenance
	Winter Sidewalk Concern
	Windrows

TTY	780-944-5555

Community Sandboxes

Program History

Related Documents

Snow and Ice Control Policy

Snow and Ice Control Procedure

Traffic Bylaw 5590 (Section 26.2)

Community Standards Bylaw

For More Information

Winter Maintenance