Edmonton to reconsider calcium chloride for winter snow clearing after six-year pause

Edmonton is reconsidering calcium chloride for winter snow clearing after abandoning the chemical six years ago due to environmental concerns.

The city stopped using calcium chloride on roads in 2020 over worries about ecological impact and vehicle rust. But the particularly erratic winter season this past year—marked by unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles—has prompted a fresh look at the de-icing tool.

Valerie Dacyk, the city's supervisor of snow and ice removal, said the review stems from recommendations gathered from academia, industry, front-line staff, Epcor and the city's environmental group. Councillor Jon Morgan had proposed bringing the chemical back in January after Edmonton faced dangerous road conditions.

"Edmonton's winter climate is changing," Dacyk said at a news conference August 21. "While overall winter precipitation has dropped by 31 per cent, warmer winter trends are causing more frequent and volatile freeze-thaw cycles."

Calcium chloride can be applied in three ways: to pavement before major snowfall, sprayed onto existing ice to speed melting, or mixed with salt or sand to improve adhesion. Calgary, Toronto and Saskatoon still use it.

A June report outlined the cost: upgrading the system to support increased calcium chloride use would require $4.4 million upfront and $2.5 million annually. Council will debate all proposals from the snow-and-ice control report during 2027-2030 budget deliberations in November.

The city's community and public services committee will explore adding accessibility as a pillar of snow-and-ice clearing on August 31.