County Roads Snow Removal & Ice Control Operations

Woodlands County provides maintenance for roads throughout the County with the exception of provincial highways.

Provincial Highways: Highways 43, 32, 33, 647, 658, 661, and 751 are maintained by Ledcor Highways Ltd. For concerns regarding provincial highway maintenance, please call Ledcor Highways Ltd. at 780-395-1440 or toll-free 1-866-453-3267.

Snow removal starts when there is:

• 7.5 cm of snow on gravel roads; or
• 2.5 cm of snow on paved roads.

• County Roads: The County will make reasonable effort to clear all County roadways within 96 hours of a snow fall ending. In cases where there are consecutive snowstorms, crews will plow roads on a rotating basis until all are cleared.
  
  
• Hamlet Sidewalks: In Blue Ridge and Fort Assiniboine, sidewalks will be cleared within 48 hours of a snowstorm ending. We ask hamlet residents to please remove any foreign objects, such as extension cords that would obstruct the sidewalk for the safety of staff, equipment, vehicles and pedestrians. 

Windrows: Graders and plow trucks will feather out snow as they pass approaches to prevent the formation of a windrow. When a windrow of 15 cm or greater is present, approaches will be cleared immediately prior to proceeding. 

Priority Clearing: Plowing of private driveways and special requests will commence after the plowing of all roadways, approaches and turnarounds has been completed. Crews will clear private driveways in cases of emergencies, such as to allow school bus drivers to access the closest roadway, or to allow persons with medical conditions and/or persons with disabilities to exit their property.

Sand & Salt: Crews apply sand and salt on all paved surfaces when necessary. Gravel roads are not normally sanded. Icy hills and intersections will be chipped or graveled when required.

Snowplow Safety Reminder: Snowplow operators are working hard to keep our roads clear this season. Please drive to conditions and use caution when driving near or passing any snow removal equipment.

• Give plows plenty of space.
• Stay out of blind spots and never tailgate.
• Be patient—operators may make wide turns or sudden stops.

Your awareness helps keep everyone safe on the roads this winter.

Service Request: For questions, feedback, or service requests regarding the snow removal and ice control operations, submit a service request: woodlands.ab.ca/p/service-request, or call Infrastructure Services at 780-778-8400. Please don't stop crews while performing winter operations.

Snowplow Flags 

Unable to clear your private driveway? We can help! Come into either County office to purchase snowplow flags and fill out a waiver form. When you want your driveway cleared:

• STEP 1: Submit an online Service Request: woodlands.ab.ca/p/service-request
• STEP 2: Place the flag in a highly visible location beside the entrance of your driveway.

 When the grader operator finishes plowing your driveway, they will collect the flag. 

For more information: woodlands.ab.ca/p/winter-operations

Do you or a neighbour need help covering the cost of snow clearing? 

Residents who are senior citizens, low-income, or have physical or mental disabilities may qualify to receive up to 3 snowplow flags per year per residence under the Woodlands County Benefits Program. For more information, please visit: woodlands.ab.ca/p/benefits-program

All residents requesting snow removal are required to complete a snowplow waiver form. The forms are available at both the Main Office in Whitecourt or the Regional Municipal Office in Fort Assiniboine.

Private Snow Clearing Reminder

Did you know? Pushing snow from your property onto public roads or into roadside ditches can create serious safety issues for everyone. 

By keeping private snow off public roads and out of ditches, we help keep roads safe for everyone and protect our drainage systems and essential infrastructure.

1. When clearing your driveway or property, keep snow on your own land whenever possible.
2. Snow pushed into or across public roads reduces visibility and narrows the driving lane, which is especially dangerous on icy winter roads.
3. When snow is dumped in ditches or culverts, drainage gets blocked. Come spring melt, that means flooding, and potentially damaged roads or properties.
4. Road-maintenance crews need clear access. Piles of private snow on public roads slow down plowing for everyone and can sometimes damage snow-removal equipment.

Following this community standard helps prevent hazardous ice buildup and protects gravel surfaces, keeping the roads safer for everyone. The county monitors adherence to this community standard under Bylaw 520/19, Section 10.1.  Please remove all materials on County roads after clearing or cleaning exits or entries onto properties.

County Policies

Snow removal in the County is guided by the following policies:

Policy 3231 -  Winter Operations
Policy 3232 - Private Driveway Plowing & Grading
Bylaw 520/19 - Community Standards (section 10)