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Winter Sidewalks

Snow and ice on sidewalks is dangerous for everyone, especially seniors and the disabled. That is why the Community Standards Bylaw requires that property owners clear the public walks around their 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 (i.e. derelict buildings).

When you remove snow promptly after a snowfall, you play an important role in keeping our city moving safely in difficult weather.

Freeze-thaw Cycles

While properly removing snow prevents a build-up of ice over the winter, occasionally freeze-thaw weather cycles cause water from melting snow to run on to cleared walks. The water then becomes ice at night or when the temperature drops.

During freeze-thaw cycles you are still required to keep the walks around your property safe, either by keeping them ice-free or by spreading sand or gravel to give pedestrians grip.

To help you keep your walks safe, the City provides free sand that can be picked up from green boxes outside your nearest Community League.

Tips for Sidewalk Clearing

Keeping a sidewalk clear of ice and snow can be a bit of a struggle during Edmonton winters.

These tips for sidewalk snow removal can help you keep the walks around your property safe.

Reporting a Concern

If you have concerns over a neighbour's uncleared walk, please speak to them directly and offer to help them keep it clear if needed. Many Edmontonians find it difficult to keep their walks clear due to physical disabilities and by becoming a Snow Angel, you can help them and your community.

If you can't resolve the problem with your neighbour, you can call 311 or register an online complaint. When a complaint is filed, a Municipal Enforcement Officer will investigate and issue a warning notice asking the owner to clear the walk within 7 days. If the owner does not comply a $100 ticket is issued and the City may clear the walk at the property owner's expense.

To file a complaint, you must provide your name, address and telephone number along with the address of the uncleared walk and a description of the problem.

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

For more information:

Customer Information and Support Services