Snow removal in Calgary runs on a 24 hour clock. Section 67 of the Street Bylaw requires you to clear the public sidewalk bordering your property down to bare surface within 24 hours of a snowfall ending, and the fines start at $250.
What the bylaw requires
Snow and ice cleared to the bare surface, within 24 hours of the snow stopping. Pathways bordering your property need a minimum cleared width of 1.5 metres on the same clock.
Snow from your driveway or walkway goes on your own property, never the road. Yes, even in Cranston and Auburn Bay.
What it costs to miss
Two things happen, and they are separate.
The City can clear it and invoice you a minimum flat rate of $150 plus GST and an administration fee, added to your property tax if unpaid
The occupant can be fined $250 for a first offence, $500 for a second, and $750 for a third and each one after within 12 months
Official charges also depend on size of driveway and walkways involved, so you are essentially paying around $300-400 per hour for city to do it
Repeat tickets can require a court appearance, and unpaid fines get collected by the Alberta Registry Service when you renew a license or registration. Complaints go through 311 to a peace officer.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SNOW REMOVAL SERVICE IN A PARTICULAR QUADRANT OF CALGARY? OR NEED HELP COMPARING PER-VISIT VS SEASONAL CONTRACTS?
When to book
September. But if that’s too late, then now is good! haha - Routes fill before the first real snowfall, because a company can only serve so many properties in the hours between a snowfall ending and your 24 hour deadline.
You see, in a deep snow event, everyone needs to be visited by the Snow Clearing pro, not just a few today and a few tomorrow. It’s not just about prompt service either - in extreme situations some people literally get snowed in! Or have some physical or health limitations and need to be safe when the come and go - and their guests and deliveries and the mailman too!
That snow event response clock does not pause because you are travelling, or because the snow is wet and you are 78. If either describes your winter, a seasonal contract is the reliable answer.
What to ask before you book
What is your trigger depth, and is it measured at my property or citywide
Do you clear the sidewalk, or only the driveway
How many hours after a snowfall ends do you arrive
Seasonal contract, per visit, or storm call
Do you salt or sand, and is it included
Servicing in Your Neighborhood?
And Most Importantly, when you’re hiring someone to clear your snow, make sure your property pro works in your area or in nearby neighorhoods. Whether your in NW Calgary and close to Rocky Ridge, you may want to know if their route takes them to saddle ridge in the northeast of clagary. Same with Aspen Woods and altdore, if they don’t have enough clients in one spot do thaty jump way over to McKenzie Towne?
This can influence a lot of things for a snow clearing crew. “Windshield Time” piles up when 30, 50, or 100 homes need a visit in 24 hours! The further away you are, the less likely you will be priority!
Find a Calgary snow removal company
BestLawn is always collecting Calgary companies who are current and taking bookings, with phone numbers in the open.
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