Snow & ice management

The Roads Department maintains approximately 700 lane kilometres of roads; our goal is to provide the highest level of service at the lowest cost. We cannot stop the snow from falling but we can mitigate the effects of snow by plowing and sanding roads to keep them as safe as possible.

In the winter months, staff work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure the delivery of service is met in a timely fashion. Before storms, crews may apply anti-icing products to roads to melt the snow which reduces the chance ice will form and bond to the surface.

Crews begin plowing when snow has accumulated to five centimetres and/or drifting has occurred. Winter materials are applied to roads after they are plowed, with emphasis on intersections, corners, hills, school zones, playground zones and other known problem areas. Materials used are environmentally safe and depend on road conditions and temperature.

After higher priority roads have been plowed, crews will begin sanding local roads as needed.

Know your snow! Learn more about winter in Airdrie including what our road crews do before, during and after a storm to make the roads safe and what you can do as a resident to help keep our roads and sidewalks in good winter condition.

Roadway priorities

Salt management

The City of Airdrie is committed to managing the amount of salt applied to roadways but at the same time providing travelable winter roads.

All snow plows are equipped with GPS automated spreading. This technology controls where and how much salt is applied and ensures that ecologically sensitive areas are protected from unnecessary salt application and roads are treated with material the same way, each and every time.

Snow smart tips

• Park your vehicles off street if you live on a priority 1 or 2 road. This will allow Public Works to push the snow as far to the curb as possible, creating the greatest width of travelable road.
• Shovel snow to the right of your driveway to reduce the amount deposited in front of your driveway by the snow plow.
• Clear adjacent sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours after the snow stops falling.
• Chip away at the ice that builds up in the gutter. When the snow begins to melt, it can run to the storm drain and cause a backup of water on to the sidewalk that can refreeze and be dangerous.
• Stay back at least 10m from plow trucks and do not pass the plow truck when it is plowing and/or sanding as material and road debris may damage your car
• We recommend winter tires on your vehicle for added safety.
• Slow down and drive safely for winter conditions. When conditions are at their worst, avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.
• Looking for sand/salt for sidewalks? Pickle mix is available at 805 Main Street and 15 East Lake Hill. Don't forget your bucket and shovel!

Snow & Ice Control Policy

Learn more about how the City sets priorities for streets and determines where to apply winter maintenance material in the Snow & Ice Control Policy.