The snow-clearing strategy in the city will be unchanged moving forward after city council approved making the current plowing system permanent.
Following a review of a multi-year pilot project, council decided to keep the current approach, which includes directing snow to one side of streets during snow-route operations and continuing a subscription-based windrow assistance service for residents who qualify.
The windrow assistance service will remain available for eligible residents along the snow-route network who have mobility challenges and need support clearing snow left at the end of their driveways after plowing.
Mayor Blaine Hyggen said council’s decision was informed by the city’s experience operating the pilot, feedback from residents and a review of the financial impacts.
“The pilot gave Council the information needed to evaluate both the operational and financial impacts of these service changes to make an informed decision,” Hyggen said.
The city reported the pilot was originaly introduced to simplify winter road maintenance and reduce the added expense of removing snow from residential streets. Instead of hauling snow away, crews push it consistently to one side of the street during snow-route operations.
City data from the previous four winters showed a significant cost difference between the two approaches, with right-side plowing costing about $260 per kilometre compared with roughly $6,800 per kilometre for full snow removal.
The city said continuing the plowing approach provides substantial savings compared with removing snow from residential roads, estimating it is about 25 times more cost-effective.
Darwin Juell, the city’s general manager of Transportation and Transit, said the pilot showed the city could maintain mobility in the community while controlling the costs associated with winter maintenance.
“The approved service level allows us to continue providing a sustainable approach to snow and ice control while supporting residents who may need additional assistance,” Juell said.
The city said the permanent service model supports priorities outlined in its 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, including maintaining a well-designed community and supporting safe transportation networks.
Council directed administration to return in spring 2030 with an update on the program’s implementation and results.
