To help keep Lethbridge moving in the winter season, the City of Lethbridge manages snow and ice on roads, lanes, sidewalks and pathways.
In winter, roads are plowed and sanded regularly, on a priority system. Snow control crews also help manage snow drifts, icy intersections and other safety hazards in the city. This is done on an as-needed basis, as staff and equipment become available.
View the Whoop-Up Drive traffic cameras to help inform your winter commute.
Find out more about snow routes with these additional FAQs.
Search your address below to sign up for snow route notifications, and create custom reminders for other city services.
You can also download the Lethbridge Loop app to set up reminders on your mobile device (to receive snow route notifications, make sure to turn on "service alerts").
Before each winter season, letters are delivered to all households along the City's snow routes. These letter provide detailed information about what to expect when living on a snow route.
When there is heavy snowfall, the City’s transportation department will determine whether snow routes need to be plowed. If snow routes are declared active:
How will I know if snow routes are declared or active?
When snow routes are declared, the City will provide 24-hours notice ahead of activation by:
Once there is no longer a need, the City will deactivate snow routes through the same notification process. At this time, on-street parking can resume.
What if I don't move my vehicle when a snow route is activated?
Vehicles left on active snow routes might slow down plowing operations, be damaged by snow-clearing equipment, and prevent crews from fully clearing the road.
Please move your vehicle when snow routes are declared and encourage your neighbours to do the same.
When snow routes are active, plows will push snow to the right side of the road. This may leave piles of snow (windrows) along driveways, curbs and boulevards that you may need to shovel after the plows pass. Snow may also be pushed into parking lanes, which can reduce on-street parking.
Be proactive - have a parking plan
Parking alternatives include off-street parking pads or driveways, and parking on a nearby street that is not on a snow route. Make sure to move all vehicles, including trailers and RVs. Plan ahead for visitor parking and for when vehicle owners in your household are away from extended periods of time.
The City provides assistance to residents who live on a snow route and have challenges clearing the snow piles (windrows) that may block driveways and sidewalks after plowing.
Annual registration is required, even for those who have used the program in the past. Early sign up helps make sure the service is ready for all subscribers before winter arrives.
When does the City work on snow and ice control?
Dedicated staff are on a winter storm watch shifts providing 24 hour coverage – 7 days per week. Shifts are scheduled for the most maintenance coverage throughout the winter months.
Who is responsible for snow removal in parking lots?
All parking lots are the responsibility of the property owner. This includes parking lots owned by the school boards, hospital and other businesses. City owned parking lots are done under contract.
What kind of equipment does the City use for snow and ice control?
The City of Lethbridge uses a variety of snow and ice control equipment to support winter maintenance operations, including:
When it snows heavily, the City may also use contractors to help with snow and ice control.
How does the City control ice on the roads?
We consider pavement temperature, current weather conditions and forecast in our ice control efforts. We pre-wet sand so that the sand and salt we apply to the roadways will be more effective under varying weather and road conditions. In extreme cold, sand and salt do not stick to the existing ice on roadways. Drive with caution in extreme cold to better manage icy conditions.
What are some good winter driving tips?
Where does the snow go when it's hauled away?
In areas where we remove snow, it's plowed into a row, collected and then hauled to a snow disposal site. These sites are designed to handle the amount of snow that Lethbridge gets in a typical winter. Each site has to meet provincial and federal environmental regulations to store snow. The disposal sites are built with a mesh liner under a gravel pad, and grading to ensure that melting snow run off only goes into the storage ponds.
Does the City use snow fences to reduce drifting and blowing snow?
Yes, snow fences are installed to reduce drifting and blowing snow. We install approximately 17 km of snow fencing before each winter season.
