Edmontonians asked to follow parking bans as snow removal season begins

The City of Edmonton is asking residents to move their vehicles as its winter snow removal program begins, with a two-phase parking ban in place.

The first phase prohibits all parking on arterial and collector roads during a major snow event of more than 5 centimetres. Those restrictions are marked with white seasonal no-parking signs, and the city aims to give at least eight hours' notice. Residents can still park on residential roads and alleys during phase one.

The second phase bans parking on residential roads. Residents may park on arterial and collector roads that have already been cleared. Residential bans are only triggered when the snowpack reaches the right level and inspectors see rough, running conditions.

Val Dacyk, the city's infrastructure supervisor, said at the southwest district yard on Friday that the city needs residents to move their vehicles. "We cannot stress enough that we need to have residents move their vehicles," Dacyk said. If too many cars stay on a street, crews cannot clear it.

The city's road network covers 12,000 kilometres and 500 kilometres of active pathways. Priority one roads, including major routes, steep hills and walkways around core facilities, are targeted within 24 hours. Pathways, bridge decks and transit station access are targeted within three days. Arterial and collector roads are targeted within five days, industrial routes within six, and residential streets within 14 days after a phase-two ban.

Vehicles left on streets during phase two will be skipped and crews will return after the cars are moved. The fine for not moving a vehicle during a ban is $250, and the fine for not clearing a sidewalk is $100. Bylaw officers will use discretion when possible, according to Keith Scott, the city's community standards deputy chief.

Residents can sign up for a parking ban notification service, and the city has published snow clearing maps for roads and pathways.