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Clearing Sidewalks

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Snow and freeze/thaw cycles can result in very hazardous conditions on walkways and sidewalks. These conditions are a safety concern for everyone – particularly for those with limited mobility, waste collectors and other service providers.  

Keeping sidewalks free of snow and ice helps Edmontonians move safely. Failure to maintain your sidewalks could result in a $100 fine plus potentially any cleanup costs.

Ice and Snow Maintenance

Shovelling

  • Shovels with a small blade and ergonomic handle with a gentle curve are best
  • Push the snow, instead of lifting it, as you shovel. It's easier on your back 
  • Use a small shovel or fill only half of a large one
  • Lift with your legs bent and keep your back straight
  • Spray the shovel blade with cooking oil if the snow is sticking to it
  • Clear snow after it falls to prevent packed down snow or ice 
  • Clear right to the sidewalk
  • Offer to help anyone who may need help due to mobility or health issues

Sand and Ice

  • Free sand is available at the City’s roadway maintenance yards and participating community leagues or for purchase at your local hardware store.
  • Spread sand or gravel on icy patches to make your sidewalk safer for pedestrians. Spreading sand on a sidewalk before ice forms can also make future ice easier to remove.
  • Microwaving sand in a microwave-safe container and spreading it while it is still warm can make it more effective. It will embed itself into the ice, creating a gritty top layer.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles

  • Freeze-thaw cycles cause water from melting snow to run on to sidewalks 
  • Pile snow where it will not run across your sidewalk
  • Aim your downspouts away from sidewalks
  • It's illegal to pile snow on public property (including roads and boulevards)
  • You're required to keep the walks around your property safe by removing ice or spreading sand 

Safety Tips

Take Care of Your Body

  • Check with your doctor if you're concerned about health conditions that may cause physical strain while clearing snow and ice 
  • Dress in multiple layers of warm clothing and wear supportive boots with a good grip
  • Warm up and stretch your muscles before you start shovelling or chipping 
  • Be sure to take frequent breaks

Seek Medical Attention

Immediately stop shovelling and seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Discomfort or heaviness in the chest, arms or neck
  • Unusual or prolonged shortness of breath
  • A prolonged dizzy or faint feeling
  • Excessive sweating or nausea and vomiting
  • Excessive back pain

Concerns and Complaints

Protecting Your Privacy

The information you provide will be used to process your complaint, but your name and address will not be made available to anyone else. For more information on how the City protects your privacy visit Freedom of Information and Privacy.

Reporting a Concern

Complaints are accepted between November 1 and May 1, and only when it has not snowed for at least 48 hours.

If you have a concern about a neighbour's uncleared walk:

  • Discuss the concern directly with your neighbour
  • Offer to help them keep it clear
  • Record the address of the violation and a description of the problem if you can't resolve the problem directly with your neighbour
  • Call 311 or register a complaint online
  • Provide your name, address, phone number, and the details of your concern in case your testimony is required in court
Responding to Your Complaint

After you call 311, the City takes these steps to help with your issue:

  1. A file is created specifying your concerns
  2. A Municipal Enforcement Officer (MEO) opens an investigation
  3. The officer investigates your complaint within four business days
  4. The MEO may issue a warning notice with directions to remedy the problem within a specified time frame or issue a $100 fine immediately, depending on the circumstances
  5. The officer may issue an order, which allows the City to fix the problem and bill the property owner for the cost
  6. The City may contact you to appear as a witness if the matter goes to court

Tickets will be issued to business owners if walks are not cleared around the property as indicated in the Community Standards Bylaw.

Related Links

Be a Snow Angel

Snow Angels are citizens who make a difference by keeping their walks free of snow and ice, and who step up to help their neighbours with snow removal.

Need Help Shovelling?

Home Support Program, shovelling tips, reporting uncleared areas.

Trail Sweeping and Snow Clearing

Frequency and river valley jogging loop reference maps.

Related Documents

Snow and Ice Control Policy

Winter maintenance programs, including roadway sanding, plowing, residential blading, and snow removal.

Bylaw: Maintaining Sidewalks in Winter

Community Standards Bylaw, including various aspects of property maintenance.

Notifications

Roadway Alerts

Sign up to be the first to know about major plowing events and parking bans.

Sign Up

For More Information

Community Standards and Neighbourhoods Branch

Telephone

In Edmonton: 311

Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
Fax 780-496-6054

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