The City of Calgary would like to remind Calgarians to be prepared before weather becomes more seasonal in nature.
Snow and ice are part of the everyday lives of Calgarians during the cooler months. The City of Calgary is here to help you get around safely, and it’s important to know that we follow a priority snow plan that ensures staff and equipment are mobilized to respond to the snow in the most effective and efficient manner possible.
“Calgarians can be assured that crews and contractors are ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the winter,” explains Chris Hewitt, Manager of Mobility Maintenance. “Our crews work before, during and after each snowfall, focusing on the busiest roads, sidewalks and pathways first to help keep Calgary moving after a snowstorm.”
When the snow stops, crews respond during the first 18 hours on Calgary’s busiest routes – roads that see over 20,000 daily vehicles trips (such as Glenmore Trail, Macleod Trail and Memorial Drive). Important pedestrian infrastructure like City-owned sidewalks, 750 kilometres of our priority pathway network and pedestrian overpasses are also cleared within the 24 hours after snowfall ends. From 18 to 36 hours after snowfall, crews are focused on our major bus and community routes (e.g. Kensington Road and Acadia Drive).
Calgary Transit switching to all-weather tires for better grip
Calgary Transit has started to gradually replace worn out and damaged all-season tires on its 40- and 60-foot bus fleets with all-weather tires. These tires will be used year-round and are more suitable for Calgary’s winter conditions.
The Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake-rated all weather-tires have undergone rigorous testing for snow traction and are expected to help keep buses and their passengers moving during Calgary’s unpredictable winters. It is expected that these tires will be installed on Calgary Transit’s entire fleet of buses by 2029. This improvement comes at no additional cost to Calgarians.
City reminds Calgarians to be prepared for winter conditions
“Though we have seen little precipitation until now, we encourage Calgarians to keep their eyes on the weather. This calm before the storm is a good opportunity for The City to remind Calgarians to be prepared for travel this winter season,” Hewitt continues. “When the snow starts to fly, take a little extra time to get to where you need to go and be sure to leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. If you see our crews on the road, make sure to give them the extra space to work.”
Other tips include ensuring your car is properly winterized, ensuring your fluids are topped up and that you have proper snow tools (e.g. windshield scaper or brush) and emergency kits stocked in your vehicle. Before your trip, ensure that that you brush any snow off your vehicle before heading out on your journey. Whether you’re walking, wheeling or driving, make sure you are adequately dressed for the weather.
For more information on the City’s winter maintenance program:
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