Please choose between the following three options:
Skip to main menu Skip to site search Continue to current page menu and content
Community Sandboxes
Main page content begins here
Public Engagement
Until March 10, Parks and Roads Services is seeking feedback from the general public and stakeholders on the Community Sandbox Program.
Over the past five years, the Community Sandbox Program has grown by over 400 percent and currently has the largest number of community sandboxes compared with other Canadian municipalities. When sidewalks are icy, there is a lot of public demand for sand, and small boxes may empty faster than City crews are able to refill them.
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.
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.
How Can Edmontonians Provide Feedback?
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback through surveys, the Engaged Edmonton page, stakeholder meetings and at our in person sessions from February 6 - March 7. Feedback will be summarized in a What We Heard report, to be included in an upcoming Council report.
Engagement for Stakeholder Groups
Are you part of a community stakeholder group, special interest group or organization? If you are interested in providing feedback, please email communitysandboxes@edmonton.ca.
Community Sandboxes
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 are 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 | Street Sweeping |
| TTY | 780-944-5555 |
|---|