Woman in wheelchair on a sidewalk

The Assisted Snow Removal Pilot Program supports low-income seniors and Edmontonians with disabilities and mobility challenges by clearing snow from accessible walkways and public sidewalks adjacent to private property.

In April 2024, City Council approved a two-year pilot to assist in snow removal for approved low-income seniors and residents with disabilities and mobility challenges.

The Assisted Snow Removal Pilot project focuses on three main areas:

  1. Snow Removal Support for People with Disabilities and Mobility Challenges
    The City of Edmonton will coordinate snow removal services to remove snow from the private property accessible walkway and public sidewalks adjacent to the property of those with disabilities and mobility challenges. This service will be funded by the City, as approved by Council.
  2. Collaboration with the Government of Alberta for Low-Income Seniors
    The City has partnered with the Government of Alberta, which offers snow removal support for low-income seniors. The provincial program, Special Needs Assistance for Seniors, provides financial assistance to seniors, helping them cover the costs of essential items like appliances, specific healthcare services, personal support and snow removal.
  3. Snow Removal Supports for Community Leagues
    The City supports Community Leagues in their efforts to bring the community together to support equity-deserving groups to remove barriers to finding tools and resources to alleviate their snow removal needs. 
     

Support for People with Disabilities and Mobility Challenges

Eligibility

  • Any person living in Edmonton with a permanent or temporary disability can apply to the Assisted Snow Removal Program.
  • Participants must provide a signed authorized health care provider form to confirm that they cannot perform any activities related to snow removal. Current participants of the Dedicated Accessible Transit Service (DATS) and the Assisted Waste Collection programs can enrol in the Assisted Snow Removal Pilot through a simplified process. Please complete the enrolment form and our team will contact you to gather additional information to support your request.
  • There must be no individuals residing in the household who can perform snow removal.
  • Only one enrolment will be processed per household. If two residents are eligible for the pilot, one should become the primary participant. 
     
Application Process

Step 1: 

For New Participants

  1. Submit the online enrolment form; download and print the authorized healthcare provider form
  2. Have your healthcare provider sign the authorized healthcare provider form and send by courier/regular mail to:
    Citizen Services / City of Edmonton
    Complaints & Investigations
    PO Box 2359
    Edmonton Tower, 10111 104 Avenue NW
    Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7

Please note that we are not able to receive the authorized healthcare provider form sent by email. We will only approve original documents, no copies, scans or other.

For Current DATS and Assisted Waste Participants

  • If you are already enrolled in the Dedicated Accessible Transit Service (DATS)  or the Assisted Waste Collection programs, you can enroll in the Assisted Snow Removal Pilot through a simplified process.
  • Simply complete the enrolment form, and our team will contact you with additional questions to confirm your needs and service location.

Step 2:

After receiving the online enrolment form and the original health care provider form by courier/regular mail, we will schedule a phone interview to continue the process. This step cannot be completed online.

Step 3:

During the phone interview, you will be notified of your approval status. Once approved, you will begin receiving the Assisted Snow Removal services.

You may apply at any time during winter. Please note that processing times may be longer during periods of peak snow removal demand.

We will only accept one application per household.

How the Service Works
  1. Complete the enrolment form. Our team will contact you with additional questions about your needs and to determine the service level, location, and area.
  2. You will be notified whether your enrolment was approved, placed on a waiting list or denied.  If you are denied entry into the pilot, we will send you a letter or email outlining the reason for your ineligibility and information on the appeal process. 
  3. Once approved, we will add your address to the snow removal inventory. All additional information will be kept confidential, ensuring your privacy and security.
  4. Snow removal service will begin within 24 hours after the snowfall has ceased citywide and at least 2 cm of snow has accumulated. You don’t need to contact us or the service provider to get the service.
  5. In case of any issue, you can contact us by calling 780-508-9288 or emailing assistedsnowremovalprogram@edmonton.ca.
  6. Before each winter season, a program renewal letter will be sent to you by mail or email to verify your eligibility, personal information and to confirm your need for snow removal service.  
     

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I receive this service?

This pilot program will run for two years, starting in winter 2024. All participants will undergo an annual review to verify their personal information and eligibility. 

Does submitting my enrolment mean that I will receive the service?

No, the City still needs to approve your enrolment, which requires authorization and completing a service agreement. Please note that until a service agreement is complete and enrolment is finalized, you are responsible for maintaining the snow and ice adjacent to your private property.

What happens if a spot in the pilot is not available?

If a spot in the pilot program is not available when you apply,  you will automatically be added to our waitlist. This ensures you will be notified if a spot opens up.

Will the City remove snow from my private property walkway?

Yes, the Assisted Snow Removal Pilot will arrange for local subcontractors to remove snow from the private property accessible walkway and public sidewalks adjacent to the property.

How do I receive the service after a snowfall?

You don’t need to contact the City or the service provider to get the service. Once you consent to the Service Agreement, we will add your name and address to the pilot program’s inventory list. Snow removal assistance will be provided within 24 hours after snowfall has ceased city-wide and at least 2 cm of snow has accumulated.

Is ice removal or ongoing ice treatment part of the pilot?

If you agree, the subcontractor will apply an ice treatment, either sand or a pickle mixture, which is a salt and sand combination, during the snow removal service. Ongoing ice treatment between snowfalls is your responsibility. Our Community Sandbox Program provides free, dry sand at designated locations for use on icy sidewalks and walkways.

Do I need to meet the service provider outside upon their arrival?

Meeting the subcontractor on-site is not required, but you can certainly greet the provider and say hello. The service provider will enter your yard and begin snow removal services without notification such as door knocking. Please ensure all gates are unlocked so the provider can access all sidewalks requiring snow removal.

Will I be charged for the service?

No, the City of Edmonton will ensure that all snow removal costs determined in the service agreement will be covered for approved applicants.

What if I change my address while receiving the service?

Please contact us as soon as possible by calling 780-508-9288 or emailing assistedsnowremovalprogram@edmonton.ca. Changes should be made at least 14 days in advance to avoid any disturbance. After that period, we can’t guarantee timely service at your new location.

What if I want to cancel the service?

Please email assistedsnowremovalprogram@edmonton.ca to cancel the Assisted Snow Removal Pilot agreement.

How can I apply if I don’t have computer access?

We are aware that not everyone can complete an online application. For assistance completing the enrolment form, please contact us at 780-508-9288 or assistedsnowremovalprogram@edmonton.ca.

What happens if a spot in the program is not available?

If a spot in the program is not available when you apply,  you will automatically be added to our waitlist. This ensures you will be notified if a spot opens up.

Special Needs Assistance (SNA) Program for Low-Income Seniors

The Government of Alberta provides a program that offers financial assistance to low-income seniors, helping them cover the cost of appliances, specific health care, and personal support, including snow removal. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Special Needs Assistance program, you must:

  • Be 65 years of age or older
  • Be an Alberta resident
  • Be a Canadian citizen or have been lawfully admitted to Canada for permanent residence
  • Meet financial eligibility criteria
  • Have provided a Seniors Financial Assistance application

To apply, please visit Special Needs Assistance for Seniors.

The City of Edmonton is working with the Government of Alberta to streamline the snow removal service pilot program for Edmontonians needing service for the 2025-2026 winter season. 

For help with the application process, call 211 and press 2 for the Seniors Information Phone Line. An operator will guide you to find organizations supporting seniors in Edmonton. 
 

You can also contact any of the following organizations to find help.

For more information, visit the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council.

Organizations

Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society
11648 85 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5B 3E5
(780) 481-3451

ASSIST Community Services Centre
9649 105A Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5H 0M3
Can travel to 810 Saddleback Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T6J 4W4
(780) 429-3111

Jewish Family Services (welcomes all individuals)
104, 15023 123 Avenue NW, Edmonton T5V1J7
(780) 454-1194

Operation Friendship Seniors Society
10310 93 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T5H 1X1
(780) 429-2626

Newcomer Centre (Former Edmonton Mennonite Centre)
10170 112 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2L6
(780) 424-7709

Sage Seniors Association
15 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, AB T5J 2E5
(780) 423-5510

The Shaama Centre
329 Woodvale Road W, Edmonton, AB T6L 3Z7
(780) 465-2992

Strathcona Place Seniors Society
10831 University Ave, Edmonton, AB T6E 4R1
(780) 433-5807

Westend Seniors Activity Centre
9629 176 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 6B3
(780) 483-1209

Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative
9538 107 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 0T7
(780) 423-1973

Snow Removal Supports for Community Leagues

The City of Edmonton is partnering with several community leagues to support residents across the city. By fostering a collaborative approach, Edmontonians can get additional snow removal support, ensuring safer and more accessible neighbourhoods during winter months. Contact the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues to get more information about your community league.

Community Assisted Snow Removal Grant 

311 Contact Centre

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If you are calling from outside Edmonton (780) 442-5311
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