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Does The City of Red Deer clear any sidewalks?
The City clears over 95 km of sidewalks throughout Red Deer
after each snowfall. For more information,
please refer to  Sidewalk snow clearing route map.
Does The City of Red Deer have a bylaw requiring sidewalk
snow removal?
Yes, the bylaw was passed in 1999. It requires residents to clear all city sidewalks adjoining their property within 48 hours of when the snow or ice was deposited. Failure to clear the sidewalk could result in a fine and a City crew being dispatched to clear the sidewalk at the resident's expense. For more details, please refer to Section 82 of Traffic Bylaw 3186/97.
Who is impacted by mandatory sidewalk snow removal?
Section 82 of Traffic Bylaw 3186/97, which mandates 48-hour sidewalk snow removal, includes all land zoned Commercial, Residential and Direct Control as well as land used for schools.
Do I have to clear the sidewalk leading up to my house?
The bylaw does not require residents to clear snow and ice from the sidewalk leading to their house. But both Canada Post and the Red Deer Advocate have stated service delivery could be interrupted if sidewalks are not cleared.
Who is responsible for sidewalk snow removal on rental property?
Although a landlord may pass the task of snow removal on to a tenant, the landowner is ultimately responsible for keeping the sidewalk clear.
How is the Bylaw enforced?
In most areas, the RCMP will react to snow removal complaints. In areas, such as downtown, Bylaw Officers may actively look for infractions.
Have a complaint?
If you would like to report a bylaw infraction, please call 403-343-5575.
How are sidewalk snow removal complaints handled?
A probable scenario:
- The RCMP receives a complaint from a citizen, Canada Post Representative, utility meter reader or newspaper/flyer carrier.
- The RCMP Field Inspector confirms that 48 hours have passed since the last snowfall.
- The sidewalk is inspected. If the sidewalk is in violation of the bylaw, the following actions will be taken:
- First offence within a winter: A warning notice is issued to the occupant/owner. If the sidewalk is not shovelled within 24 hours of the warning notice, a ticket will be issued to the occupant/owner. If the sidewalk is not cleared within 48 hours of the ticket being issued, City crews will be sent to remove the snow at the owner's expense.
- Second and subsequent offences within a winter: A ticket is issued to the occupant/owner. If the sidewalk is not cleared within 48 hours of the ticket being issued, City crews will be sent to remove the snow at the owner's expense.
What penalties do I face if I do not clear my sidewalk?
Snow removal fines are $35, plus the cost of The City clearing snow which from an average-sized residential sidewalk could exceed $100.
Where do I put the snow?
Do not move snow or ice into the street. When possible, shovelled snow and ice onto an adjacent boulevard or yard, or onto your property.
What about people who can not shovel their own walk?
Seniors or disabled citizens, who may have difficulty clearing their sidewalk, are encouraged to make arrangements with a neighbour or family member.
What if I am out of town for more than 48 hours?
If you will be away from your home for more than 48 hours, arrange for a neighbour, friend, family member or contractor to care for your home and sidewalk in your absence.
Were sidewalks included in the 2005 Snow and Ice Control Policy Review?
Yes. A comprehensive review of the sidewalk clearing policy began in 2005/2006 and is ongoing. Several other municipalities in Alberta were interviewed to determine their policy and procedures. The review will include key sidewalk recommendations:
- Develop a pedestrian traffic network and assign priority. The network should link sources of pedestrians and destinations.
- Clearly define sidewalks that will be maintained (and not maintained) on a map.
The process for finalizing the change to the existing policy still requires several steps:
- Piloting a revised level of service and priority system.
- Confirm resource and funding required.
- Redraft policy.
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