Snow route residents facing mobility challenges can sign up for windrow assistance 

While we’re still enjoying summer weather, residents who live on snow routes are asked to consider an optional service that will be piloted this winter. In the first two weeks of September, the City will hand-deliver postcards to each home along snow routes with more information about the new Snow Route Windrow Assistance Service.

“Snow clearing practices were adjusted in the last two years and have resulted in significant cost savings with more roads plowed, more often,”  says Juliane Ruck, Transportation Operations Manager. “This is important, but feedback indicated that the effects can be disproportionate for some residents. The aim is to balance the financial benefits with community needs.”

This new service is an amendment made to Phase 2 of the Snow and Ice Control Changes, approved by City Council on July 9, 2024, designed to help residents who need extra mobility support during the winter. When snow routes are activated, snow is plowed to the right of the roadway, creating a windrow along curbs and driveways. This windrow can be especially difficult to navigate for residents who face mobility challenges. The service can help by creating a passage in the windrow at the driveway, or if no driveway exists, at the curb near an on-street parking location.

Call 311 to sign up from September 16 – 27

Snow route residents are encouraged to learn about the service and if applicable, call 311 between September 16 -27 to register. The sign-up window is the only time residents can subscribe for the 2024/2025 winter season and no early sign-up will be available.

“We recognize that it’s early in the year to think about snow,” says Ruck. “But we need to make sure we have enough resources allocated for this winter. We won’t have further capacity to add snow route residents to the program later in the season.” 

During the call, residents will be given more details and if signing up, asked to provide personal and property information related to delivering the service.

Service expectations

Before signing up for the program, snow route residents are encouraged to learn about how the service is delivered to determine if it will meet their needs.

One windrow passage will be created per property and service may be delivered up to three days after snow routes are plowed. Residents will continue to be responsible for clearing sidewalks, pathways, and other snow on their property. If a faster level of service is required, or if you need your entire driveway cleared, you may prefer to hire a private snow-clearing company as part of your property maintenance or identify family, friends, or neighbours who can assist with shoveling.

Following the conclusion of the 2024/2025 winter season, feedback will be sought from those residents who signed up and the findings will be reported back to City Council for review. 

To learn more about the City’s changes to winter operations for roadways, residents can visit lethbridge.ca/snow or connect with 311 for more information. 

For Public Inquiries: 

Call 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.