Calgary Snow and Ice Removal Bylaws

What do the snow removal bylaws state on?

Property owners are responsible for cleaning all snow and ice from the sidewalks in front of and adjacent to their home or business within 24 hours following the latest snowfall, according to the City of Calgary.

If you own a residential or commercial property you must meet the following conditions.

Section 67 of the Street Bylaw requires Calgary property owners to:

• Remove snow and ice – down to bare surface – from public sidewalks bordering their private property within 24 hours of a snowfall ending.
• Remove a minimum width of 1.5 meters of snow and ice – down to bare surface – from a public pathway bordering their property, also within 24 hours of a snowfall ending.
• Pile snow from private driveway or walkway on their own property. Snow from a public sidewalk or pathway may be shovelled onto another public property, such as a road.
• Owners of rental properties that reside elsewhere are still responsible for ensuring adjacent sidewalks and driveways are cleared, no matter who does the work.

Who’s responsible for what?

If you are a homeowner then you’re responsible for clearing:

• A minimum width of 1.5 m of pathways beside your property
• A minimum width of 1.5 m of sidewalks between your property or any rental properties that you own and street
• No one responsible for clearing windrows created by a City plow
• No one responsible for clearing walkways between private properties

The City is responsible for clearing:

• Priority roads
• Pedestrian overpasses/bridges
• Sidewalks bordering and within City properties
• 500 km of pathway within forty-eight hours of a snowfall ending
• Calgary Transit properties, including bus pads
• Level out ruts on residential roads

Public and Private Schools:

• Sidewalks and paths within and around the property

What are the penalties for those who don’t clear the snow?

A failure to comply with the bylaw and subsequent notices issued by The City may be subject to:

• An invoice to you from The City for clearing the sidewalk on their behalf. Minimum flat rate of $150 plus GST and an administration fee. The amount will show up in your annual property tax bill in case if not paid within the required time.
• You will be fined $250 for a first offence. Repeat offenders will be fined double from the first fine and $750 for further offences within a 12-month period.

Don't let your neighbor complain about not removing snow and ice around your property. Our team at Lawn King will always make sure that your garage entrance, sidewalks and pathways will be clear out of snow within hours after snowfall all winter long. Book your snow and ice removal service in advance. Prices start at $149/month (depending on the size of the property).